Legal matters—no matter how straightforward they may seem—can quickly become complex. Whether you’re buying a property, setting up a business, dealing with a family issue, or facing a legal dispute, getting the right legal advice early on can make all the difference. But just as important as the advice itself is the source of that advice.
In England and Wales, the most reliable way to ensure you’re getting trusted legal support is to use a solicitor who is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Here’s why that matters—and why using an unregulated legal provider can carry serious risks.
What is an SRA-regulated solicitor?
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is the independent regulatory body for solicitors in England and Wales. It sets the professional standards and rules that all regulated solicitors and law firms must follow, including rules around client protection, confidentiality, ethics, and continuing professional development.
SRA-regulated solicitors:
- Must hold recognised legal qualifications and undergo regular training;
- Are required to have professional indemnity insurance;
- Must follow strict codes of conduct;
- Are subject to oversight, disciplinary processes, and enforcement action if things go wrong.
When you engage with an SRA-regulated firm, you’re dealing with professionals who are accountable—not only to you, but also to a regulatory body designed to protect the public.
What about unregulated legal services?
In recent years, a growing number of legal services have been offered by individuals or firms operating outside of any regulatory framework. You may have seen adverts on the London Underground for a popular organisation offering help with divorces. Those types of organisations may include “legal advisors,” “consultants,” or provide online services that appear legitimate but are not regulated by the SRA or any other recognised authority.
Using such providers may seem cheaper or more convenient at first—but the risks can be significant:
No Guarantee of Qualifications
Unregulated providers are not required to hold formal legal training or recognised legal qualifications. There’s no benchmark for the quality or accuracy of their advice. You could be seeking advice from someone with no legal background or experience.
No Professional Indemnity Insurance
SRA-regulated firms are required to hold professional indemnity insurance. This protects you financially if something goes wrong. Unregulated firms typically don’t carry such insurance, which means you could be left out of pocket with no recourse.
No Access to the Legal Ombudsman
If you’re unhappy with the service provided by a regulated solicitor, you have access to a clear complaints procedure and, if necessary, the Legal Ombudsman. With an unregulated firm, there may be no formal complaints process at all—and no one to turn to if things go wrong.
No Protection for Client Money
SRA-regulated solicitors must follow strict rules when handling client money, including holding funds in separate accounts and adhering to transparency rules. Unregulated firms don’t have to follow these rules—leaving your money vulnerable to mismanagement or fraud.
No Legal Professional Privilege
Communications with a regulated solicitor are protected by legal professional privilege—meaning they are confidential and can’t be disclosed in court. This may not apply when using an unregulated provider, which could leave your private legal matters exposed.
How do I know if my solicitor is regulated?
Before instructing a legal adviser or firm, it’s easy to check their regulatory status. The SRA provides a free online Solicitor Register where you can confirm if they are authorised to practise, their regulatory history and details of any disciplinary findings. You can access the register here.
Is E J Coombs a regulated firm?
Yes! Our firm are regulated by the SRA and so are our solicitors who each hold their own SRA issued Practising Certificates. By instructing us, you benefit from our verified training and qualifications as well as confidentiality assurances and accountability.
Legal issues, especially within family law, are often emotionally charged and financially significant. It simply isn’t worth the risk of cutting corners or choosing an unregulated provider.
Whether your legal matter is simple or complex, personal or commercial, always ensure your adviser is properly regulated. It’s not just about good advice—it’s about safe, secure, and accountable advice you can trust. Contact us today using the links below.
