header-logo header-logo

Forward focus

230753
The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s Aisling O’Connell on fostering technology & innovation in small firms

There’s no question that technology is transforming all our lives. People are increasingly using technology to choose and access professional services. The legal sector is of course experiencing its own ground-breaking innovations, which are enabling new ways for solicitors and law firms to deliver services, engage with clients and increase efficiency.

Firms need to keep pace with consumers’ rapidly changing expectations. Yet sole practitioners and small firms can face obstacles in embedding technology in their firms, with the risk that some are left behind.

At the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), we recognise smaller firms’ value to the public, as they continue to be the gateway to legal services for many. They can provide an affordable, trustworthy, close-to-home option, providing access to expert advice.

The SRA is committed to encouraging innovation that can improve both legal services and access to them. That includes supporting small firms to adopt technology responsibly and safely. That’s why we recently commissioned research

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ Career Profile: Hugo Plowman, Mishcon de Reya

NLJ Career Profile: Hugo Plowman, Mishcon de Reya

From global fraud cases to fishing off-grid, Mishcon de Reya’s chair of dispute resolution Hugo Plowman discusses mentors, management switching off

Maguire Family Law—Jennifer Hudec, Ciara Florey, Alice Ferguson & Ruth Wynn

Maguire Family Law—Jennifer Hudec, Ciara Florey, Alice Ferguson & Ruth Wynn

Maguire Family Law announces partner promotion and new hires amid a record year for enquiries

Switalskis—Rebecca Parry & Hannah Gamble

Switalskis—Rebecca Parry & Hannah Gamble

Switalskis wills and probate team extends reach with two appointments

NEWS
Restrictions on workplace non-disclosure agreements could make settlements slower, more complex and more expensive when reforms expected in 2027 take effect
Private prosecutors face closer scrutiny under Crown Prosecution Service guidance designed to strengthen accountability and consistency when intervention is requested
Foreign states cannot necessarily claim immunity for cyber operations launched abroad against computers in Britain, following a divided Supreme Court ruling
Defendants who make unsupported complaints about their lawyers risk losing legal aid while confiscation proceedings continue without representation
Lawyers advising Russian clients face different sanctions restrictions across the UK, EU and US, despite their shared objective of increasing pressure on Russia
back-to-top-scroll