Guidance and updates for regulated legal professionals during Coronavirus pandemic

The outbreak of COVD-19 has caused unprecedented disruption and uncertainty in all reaches of our professional and personal lives.

The legal profession is not immune to that uncertainty- particularly as measures have been put in place to ensure that both justice continues to be delivered and businesses can continue to provide services to their clients in these extraordinary times.

For those who are working remotely, COVID-19 has presented new challenges in how we continue to comply with our regulatory obligations. For those continuing to attend court, the challenge is effecting the administration of justice in a way which is consistent with the Government’s health guidance, not least because of concerns regarding the risk of infection.

What is clear is that everyone is doing their very best; but with what might feel like a bombardment of updates from all angles, it can be difficult to know if you are reading the most up-to-date information and guidance. Our aim is to therefore ‘cut through the noise’ and provide links - all in one place - to the most recent guidance and updates from various legal services regulators.

We are closely monitoring the guidance and will be regularly updating this space as the situation develops. If you are unsure about how the latest guidance applies to you, or you need clarity on how best to ensure compliance with your regulatory obligations or interpret the ‘Q&A’s offered by the regulators, then we can assist you.

Updates from the Legal Services Board

• https://www.legalservicesboard.org.uk/news/coronavirus-update

Updates for solicitors and law firms

• The Law Society 
• The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) 

Updates for Barristers and other advocates

• Bar Council 
• Bar Standards Board
• The Courts and Tribunals
• The Criminal Bar Association

Updates from other legal services regulators

• Council for Licensed Conveyancers 
• CILEx Regulation 

About the authors

Jessica Clay is a Senior Associate in the Regulatory department and specialises in legal services regulation, with a focus on regulatory compliance, legal ethics, investigations and public law matters. 

Kathryn Sheridan is a barrister in the Regulatory team. She is an experienced regulatory and criminal law advocate. 

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