Law Society Regulatory Affairs Board
The Law Society's Regulatory Affairs Board is seeking a solicitor to chair its new education and training committee. The closing date for applications is 27 May. For an application pack, email marilyn.spidell@lawsociety.org.uk or telephone 020 7316 5686.





Solicitors Accounts Rules 1998 - residual client account balances and other changes

The Solicitors Accounts (Residual Client Account Balances) Amendment Rules 2008 amend the Solicitors Accounts Rules 1998 (SAR) with effect from 14 July.

The amendments introduce specific obligations for the prompt return of surplus client funds and reporting to clients if funds are retained. They also permit solicitors to deal with the withdrawal of smaller (£50 or less) residual client account balances themselves, without recourse to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).The lead-in time of three months from the Master of the Rolls's concurrence is intended to give solicitors and their reporting accountants time to make the necessary changes to their systems and procedures. For a more detailed summary of the changes and a copy of the amendment rules, go to www.sra.org.uk/code-of-conduct/accounts-rules.page.





Standards for solicitor higher courts advocates and proposals for a new accreditation scheme

The SRA is reviewing the compulsory qualification requirements to enable solicitors to exercise rights of audience before the higher courts of England and Wales.

The SRA has developed proposals for changes to the Solicitors Code of Conduct 2007 and a new accreditation scheme for solicitors who wish to obtain SRA recognition of their higher courts advocacy competence. The SRA seeks the views of all interested parties about these proposals.

To take part in the consultation or to find out more, please visit consultations.sra.org.uk.





Retaining your name on the roll of solicitors - Solicitors (Keeping of the Roll) Regulations 1999

The SRA recently sent to all solicitors not holding a practising certificate an annual enquiry, inviting them to keep their name on the roll.

No reminder letters will be sent regarding this annual enquiry. Under section 5(b) and (c) of the Solicitors (Keeping of the Roll) Regulations 1999, the SRA may remove the name of any solicitor who does not ask for their name to be retained from the roll on 28 May.

The SRA has published a list of solicitors who potentially may be removed from the roll. The list, containing the solicitor's name, SRA number and admission date, can be viewed at www.sra.org.uk, under 'Practising Certificates', 'KR1 - Staying on the Roll'. Any solicitor whose name is on this list and who wishes to request an enquiry, should contact the SRA on 0870 606 2555 as soon as possible.

If you are calling from overseas please use +44 (0)1527 504450. The SRA's lines are open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Alternatively, email the SRA at info.services@sra.org.uk. Please quote your SRA number to help it respond promptly.

If you know of someone who wishes to remain on the roll and whose name is listed, please ask them to contact the SRA as soon as possible.





Solicitors Benevolent Association annual general meeting

Notice is hereby given that the AGM of the Solicitors Benevolent Association will be held in the Chancery Room, Law Society Hall, 113 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1PL on Wednesday 11 June at 11.30am.

The meeting will: receive the report of the directors on the proceedings of the association and the audited accounts for 2007; elect directors and reappoint auditors; and conduct such other ordinary business, if any, as the rules of the association allow.