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LAA releases new supervisor requirements and guidance on effective supervision
What’s new? The Legal Aid Agency has released Version 2 of its Supervisor Requirements and Guidance on Effective Supervision. Although the Lexcel and SQM standards themselves have not changed, the LAA now requires firms to interpret those standards in line with the SRA’s new Guidance on Effective Supervision issued on 12 June 2026. This shift…
In depth: LSB's Mazur postscript prompts new bout of mudslinging
This story seems to go on and on! This week’s postscript to Mazur did little to engender confidence that regulators are back in lockstep after the chaos and confusion that followed last September’s bombshell judgment. On Monday, the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives responded with remarkable belligerence to what was always going to be a critical report…
New Procurement for Inquests
Before Royal Assent of the the Public Office (Accountability) Bill the LAA have opened procurement for new legal aid contracts in the Inquests category of law. This major expansion will support bereaved families through the inquest process. Providers can apply now, with contracts running to June 2028. JRS as with previous tenders can assist firms…
To SQM or not to SQM. That is the question
We have had several firms approach us with this question. The main attraction for staying with or moving to SQM is obviously the 5-year period between assessments. But all that glitters is not always gold. In this article we go through the considerations firms should be thinking about when making this decision. Having pored over…
SRA reforms compensation fund levy
The Solicitors Regulation Authority today confirmed plans to impose a hefty increase in the compensation fund levy, but is moving to ease the relative burden on smaller firms. During its draft 2026-27 business plan consultation, the regulator said one of the main concerns raised was the potentially disproportionate impact that increases in fees or compensation…
Amendments to the UK Money Laundering Regulations
Parliament has approved the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Regulations 2026, introducing 15 targeted reforms to strengthen the UK’s AML regime while reducing unnecessary compliance burdens on firms. The amendments came into effect on 30 June 2026. The Law Society has covered the issues here. The impact of these changes for our clients will…