LawWorks response to SRA Handbook Consultation.

Responding to the SRA's far reaching "Looking to the Future" proposals for reform of the Handbook, LawWorks have made a detailed submission on issues impacting on pro bono. Key issues explored in our consultation response include:

• the importance of clear guidance; currently there is a lack of targetted and bespoke guidance relating to pro bono practice issues;
• ongoing issues around the interpretation of "Rule 4" in respect of in-house solicitors undertaking pro bono work;  
• ​the implications, risks as well as potential benefits (for pro bono) of proposals for "freelance" solicitors (allowing individual solicitors, with self-employed status, to provide reserved legal services to the public).

We hope to be able to have an ongoing dialogue with the SRA on these issues, having also responded to the "phase 1" consultation in 2016 here. You can download a full copy of our response below