The Law Society’s coronavirus webpage contains links to Government advice, links to organisations relevant to the legal sector etc and advice for law firm owners..
Leeds Law Society and Coronavirus – Useful Links
The Law Society’s coronavirus webpage contains links to Government advice, links to organisations relevant to the legal sector etc and advice for law firm owners https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/support-services/
Leeds City Council for the latest updates of what is happening in the region https://www.leeds.gov.uk/
Some information on furlough and trainee solicitors can be found on TLS and SRA websites (which the JLD has requested and assisted with):
LawCare promotes and supports good mental health and wellbeing in the legal community https://www.lawcare.org.uk/
The SBA charity helps solicitors of all ages and their families who are in serious financial need as a result of illness, accident, redundancy or other adversity https://www.sba.gov/
Arena Group are supporting legal firms through these challenging times with the provision of secure printing equipment for Home/Remote workers on low cost, short term contracts.
If you or your firm need such provisions please contact: Tom Harrison – 07890 315029
Our friends at Moneypenny have shared with us their switchboard solution which enables your firm to continue offering an excellent service to your callers.
SRA Useful Links
COVID-19: our services
We have contingency plans in place to make sure we can continue to provide a service to the public and profession. With staff now all homeworking, we are moving towards digital services. If you cannot find the answer to your query on our website, please get in touch by email.
COVID-19: our approach to compliance
We expect solicitors and firms to continue to meet the high standards the public expect. This means they must do everything to comply with our rules and Principles. This includes serving the best interests of their clients and upholding the rule of law. We recognise, however, these are exceptional circumstances. We must all remain pragmatic. We will take a proportionate approach to enforcement. Consistent with our enforcement strategy, we will focus on serious misconduct, and clearly distinguishing between people who are trying to do the right thing, and those who are not.
Read more about: Coronavirus: our approach to compliance
Coronavirus: common questions
We have published some answers to common questions about our rules. Topics covered include client confidentiality, wills and our accounts rules. We will add to this as the situation develops
Read more about: Coronavirus: common questions
Compensation Fund, finding the balance
We are currently consulting on updated proposals on how the SRA Compensation Fund operates. The proposed changes seek to strike the right balance between protecting clients’ money and making sure the Fund remains sustainable. The Fund provides an essential safety net for those who need it when things go wrong. However, funding the scheme comes at a cost, borne by the wider profession and therefore ultimately, the users of legal services.
Read more about: Compensation Fund, finding the balance
Immigration services consultation
We are consulting on rules governing where solicitors are allowed to work while offering immigration services. The proposed new rules would allow solicitors, RELs and RFLs to continue to provide immigration services to the public through regulated law firms and non-commercial OISC regulated firms.
Read more about: Immigration services consultation
Solicitors Indemnity Fund – supplementary cover after run-off
Owners of closed firms should be aware that the Solicitors Indemnity Fund (SIF) will cease providing supplementary run off cover to firms on 30 September 2020. That means that former firm owners should consider whether they need to make arrangements for cover for claims made after that date. This also affects those of you looking to close in the near future.
Read more about: Solicitors Indemnity Fund – supplementary cover after run-off
Support for those working with younger clients in the courts
Don’t get caught by cybercriminals
Cybercrime is the fastest-growing crime in the country, accounting for more than 75 percent of all reports to the police. Law firms, handling large amounts of client money, are prime targets for such criminals. Are you doing all that you can to minimise the risk of your firm being caught out?
Read more about: Cybercrime – keep your firm safe
Round-up to help you tackle scams
Your health, your career
Are you worried about your health affecting your work? Life as a solicitor can be challenging and the demands and pressures can easily build up. We can signpost you to sources of help and make adjustments for you if you are in difficulty.
Read more about: Your health, your career