Following its final report on guidance to the profession on the conduct of litigation earlier this year, the Legal Services Board (LSB) has launched a review of guidance and supporting materials provided to the profession on the other reserved legal activities.
Working closely with the approved regulators and regulatory bodies, the review will consider guidance on the exercise of a right of audience, reserved instrument activities, probate activities, notarial activities and the administration of oaths.
The purpose is to identify any issues relating to the consistency, legal accuracy, clarity or adequacy of detail in guidance provided to the profession. The review will also consider whether guidance is consistent with the applicable legal and regulatory framework.
The scope of the review is available here.
Richard Orpin, Chief Executive of the Legal Services Board, said:
“Clear, accurate and consistent guidance helps legal services providers understand and comply with their regulatory obligations, in turn supporting public trust and consumer confidence in legal services.
“As the oversight regulator, the LSB is uniquely placed to take a sector-wide view across the legal services regulatory landscape. That enables us to identify opportunities to improve clarity and consistency where appropriate.
“We will work closely with frontline regulators and representative bodies throughout this review. Ultimately, this work is about supporting high standards of practice and strengthening public confidence in legal services.”
The LSB expects to complete the review and publish its findings in early 2027.