SRA Handbook goes to version 4
Today saw the launch of version 4 of the SRA Handbook, despite it being less than 10 months since the Handbook was first launched.
Among the changes which have been introduced is the already much criticised change to rule 4 of the SRA Practice Framework Rules 2011 – dealing with when in-house lawyers need to become alternative business structures (ABS) –plus changes affecting COLPs and COFAs and provisions in relation to SRA Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates.
So far as the changes to the SRA Practice Framework Rules 2011 are concerned, the SRA state that the changes are intended to clarify who is affected by the in-house provisions, and to highlight the exceptions to acting only for the employer and to underlines the need for those working as in-house lawyers not to act in reserved matters for the public unless the employer has authorisation itself under the LSA – in effect requiring them to become an ABS.
In addition, there are amendments relating to associations removing the automatic regulatory restriction preventing those working for associations carrying out reserved work.
Full details of the new rules and the changes made can be found on the SRA web site at www.sra.org.uk/handbook/.