It will become a distinct legal entity but remain within the umbrella of the Law Society Group. Currently, both bodies are funded through the same process and are linked in other ways through the Legal Services Act 2007.
The SRA first called on the government to allow the split in 2016, arguing that only a formal separation would allow the solicitors profession to command public confidence. The Law Society initially disagreed, countering that the profession should be involved in the setting of standards.
In a joint statement in April, however, Simon Davis, president of the Law Society, and Anna Bradley, SRA chair, said the two would separate before July. They said: ‘We consider that the new arrangement will not only be more effective but create more transparency for the profession and the public about our roles and responsibilities.’
