Staying Ahead: SRA Compliance 2026

Course Content

In recent months, the SRA has significantly increased its focus and assertiveness in regulatory enforcement, including concerns of ethics in the workplace. Although much of this activity has centred on anti-money laundering procedures, firms are also reviewing their wider compliance frameworks and revisiting key professional principles. This session provides an opportunity to refresh understanding of core duties and ethical obligations that underpin day-to-day practice. The topics covered are also highly relevant to non-lawyers working within legal teams who are subject to the same professional standards and expectations.

1. Conflicts of interest – what ‘informed consent’ actually means
2. How conflicts can arise
3. The duties of confidentiality
4. Common slips, trips and breaches
5. Understanding the meaning of an undertaking, and whether an emoji can constitute an undertaking
6. Wellbeing – the route to better client outcomes
7. TOWIE – the only way is ethics

Course Content

The SRA Accounts Rules have long formed a familiar part of practice management, with only limited change over several decades. The current streamlined version, introduced in 2019, was intended to simplify compliance - but recent high-profile cases, including the Axiom Ince fraud, have prompted renewed scrutiny. This session explores the SRA’s latest concerns around client money handling, interest on client funds, and residual balances. Although proposals to restrict solicitors’ ability to hold client money have been paused, further consultation is expected. The course provides practical guidance and key checklists to help firms ensure continued compliance with the Accounts Rules.

1. An outline of the current SRA Account Rules
2. Key developments in:
   1. How we describe ‘disbursements’ in our bills
   2. Charging the correct VAT
   3. Dealing with residual balances on Client Account ledgers
   4. Offering of banking facilities – case studies and examples
3. Interest as a contributor to overall profits
4. Recent enforcement actions and penalties
5. The relationship with reporting accountants
6. Key checklists and benchmarks

Course Content

AI and Cybercrime are creating new challenges for the legal profession, particularly as post-pandemic working practices expand exposure to fraud and cyber threats. Remote and hybrid working, combined with rapidly advancing AI technologies, mean that risks are growing despite improvements to systems, procedures, and safeguards over the past few years.

This session explores practical steps to reduce vulnerability to cyber-attacks, enhance awareness of impersonation and fraud risks, and harness AI safely and effectively. Attendees will gain actionable guidance to maintain robust security in evolving working environments.

1. AI – what is it, where is it, do we need to fear it – or embrace it?
2. Key advantages and risks of AI applications
3. An outline of the key frauds and scams
4. Recent fines and other errors
5. Working from home, and other risks and exposures
6. GDPR implications
7. Crypto-currency implications
8. What to do if you fall victim to a scam or fraud
9. Cyber Essentials, ISO 27001