How we work

The SRA is the regulator of solicitors and law firms in England and Wales.

We regulate more than 200,000 solicitors in England and Wales.

Our purpose is to protect the public

• by ensuring that solicitors meet high standards, and
• by acting when risks are identified.

The solicitors' profession includes single-solicitor practices and huge firms with a global presence and thousands of lawyers. Solicitors also work in the justice system, in government and within companies. All solicitors follow the same professional principles and code of conduct. We provide advice to help them do so.

Established in January 2007, the SRA was previously called the Law Society Regulation Board. We changed our name to emphasise our independence and to make what we do clearer. Our strategy sets out how we aim to work.

We operate within a regulatory framework.

• Our strategy is determined by our board.
• Our committees assist the board in its work.
• Our management team implements our strategy.
• Our work is guided by documented decision-making principles.
• We regularly publish reports about our work.