Dealing with freelance solicitors

Published by a UU��ֱ�� Practice Compliance expert

Practice notes

Dealing with freelance solicitors

Published by a UU��ֱ�� Practice Compliance expert

Practice notes

From 25 November 2019, the SRA Standards and Regulations introduced a new method of practising: the freelance solicitor.

This Practice Note explains the regulatory status of freelance solicitors. It also explains the difference between a sole practitioner and a freelance solicitor. It sets out the restrictions on practice applying to freelance solicitors together with requirements around holding client money and indemnity insurance. It also provides guidance for law firms and in-house lawyers on the risks of dealing with a freelance solicitor on the other side of a transaction or matter.

What is a freelance solicitor?

‘Freelance solicitor’ is not a defined term in the SRA glossary. The SRA uses the term ‘freelance solicitor’ in a guidance note to describe a self-employed solicitor who is:

•
practising on their own, and does not employ anyone else in connection with the services they provide
•
practising in their own name (rather than under a trading name or through a service company)
•
engaged directly by clients with fees payable directly to them

without that practice being authorised by the

Jurisdiction(s):

United Kingdom

Key definition:

Requirements definition

What does Requirements mean?

A DCO should include “Requirements” to which the development authorised by the DCO is to be subject. Similar to planning conditions, a requirement specifies the matters for which detailed approval needs to be obtained before the development can be lawfully begin.

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