As I discussed in Part 1 of this blog, the old CPD requirements are going. Instead, as from November 2016 (and from this November if you prefer) you must certify that you have the ability to perform the tasks required by your job to the expected standard. In particular, you must demonstrate continuing competence in four broad areas:
Have you ever asked yourself, “Is my firm successfully attracting every potential client?” You could wonder if you are missing a golden opportunity. You may need to convince your partners to reach out beyond your firm’s traditional target market. It is not just about “doing the right thing,” legal regulatory compliance, or meeting Lexcel standards. It makes good business sense.
The plain fact is that in the highly competitive legal services market, if your firm does not welcome clients from every area of our diverse society, you are missing out. Having a positive and informed approach to diversity means you will broaden your potential client base.
Part 1 – The Statement of Competence
The old CPD requirements are going. Instead, as from November 2016 (and from this November if you prefer) you must certify that you have the ability to perform the tasks required by your job to the expected standard. In particular, you must demonstrate continuing competence in four broad areas:
This week the Prime Minister identified discrimination and lack of equality and diversity, not just as a bar to opportunity, but also as a key social issue facing the country.
You don’t need to be one of our highly qualified Lexcel Consultants to know that law firms must be adequately supervised. Rule 12 of the SRA Practice Framework Rules requires a manager – i.e. a director, member of an LLP, or partner – who is ‘qualified to supervise’.
This is someone who has undergone the requisite training and who is a practising lawyer, and who has been entitled to practise as a lawyer for at least 36 months in the previous 10 years. The guidance adds that the person doesn’t have to supervise personally all work undertaken: responsibility for the overall supervision framework, including legal supervisory requirements, rests with the authorised body and its managers.
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