Code Of Conduct: new rules to come into force on 1 July


Consumers overwhelmingly support the independent regulation of the legal profession, a poll commissioned by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has revealed.



SRA chairman Peter Williamson said: 'The decision to establish the independent SRA, clearly separated from the Law Society's representative role, is endorsed by these findings.'



Some 89% of consumers polled agreed with the proposition that 'solicitors should be regulated by an independent body'.



More than 85% of consumers also reported that they chose their solicitor, whether for a property purchase only or for other legal advice, through personal recommendation - leaving all other marketing activities in the shade.



The vast majority of consumers - in some categories up to 94% - also believed that, under their professional rules, solicitors had to be transparent about charges, give timeframes for work, always act in the clients' best interests and offer independent advice.



The poll took the form of a telephone survey of 900 randomly selected adults across England and Wales.



In a separate development, the SRA has announced that the Secretary for State for Constitutional Affairs, Lord Falconer, has approved the new Solicitors' Code of Conduct. This paves the way for the rules to come into force on 1 July 2007.



Mr Williamson said: 'We hope that solicitors and consumers will welcome the direct language and clear structure used in the code.'



He added that it was particularly important for firms to understand the changes to business management and the high level of responsibility placed on principals in ensuring effective management.



Jonathan Rayner