Many legal practitioners earn special recognition for their expertise in particular areas of law by achieving membership in one or more of the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA's) accreditation schemes.
What are the SRA accreditation schemes?
Membership of SRA accreditation schemes is totally voluntary. The expertise of scheme members in a given area of law has been verified, and their accomplishment is recognised by the SRA.
More than 16 per cent of solicitors currently belong to at least one of the SRA accreditation schemes.
In total, more than 18,000 legal professionals are members of SRA accreditation schemes.
Why do accreditation schemes exist?
The SRA operates the accreditation schemes in order to:
- Promote high standards in legal service provision
- Ensure that consumers are easily able to identify legal Practitioners with proven competency in given areas of law
- Help consumers make informed choices
- Offer solicitors and firms use of a recognisable brand
- Provide information for the courts, statutory bodies and other professionals
- Ensure that scheme members maintain relevant standards of competency and expertise, by means of periodic reselection, re-accreditation and reauthorisation
Where can I find out more?
The SRA provide a convenient, easy-to-understand reference point for anyone who thinks they might require the services of an accreditation scheme member:
SRA accreditation scheme brochure
