Welcome to the Regulation & Compliance Office’s fortnightly roundup, where we look at all the latest stories to keep you ahead and informed in the world of law and compliance. The RACO roundup is just another way in which we keep the solicitors and other law professionals we work with in the know, so we can ascertain that you are never missing the vital developments occurring in your profession. Below, you will find the most recent headlines selected by our compliance experts, followed by a Security Section that provides an overview of the latest scams currently impacting solicitors and their clients. This edition is heavily focused on Mazur & Stuart v. Russell Speechleys LLP, where we cover all updates so far regarding the case.
Mazur & Stuart v. Charles Russell Speechleys LLP – Follow Up: Conduct V Support
In our latest article, we explore the critical distinction between ‘conduct’ and ‘support’ in reserved legal services, building on our previous insights. With the current limited regulatory guidance, we’ve created a helpful framework to help firms identify which tasks fall under each category.
Key Takeaways: Risk Based Approach:
While waiting for clearer regulatory guidance, it’s essential to take immediate action to prevent breaches of the Legal Services Act 2007.
Supervision Policy Update:
Ensure your firm’s policies include clear task allocation, time recording guidance, and procedures for managing complaints or potential breaches.
Comprehensive Table:
We’ve developed a detailed table distinguishing ‘Conduct’ vs. ‘Support’ tasks across various legal services such as Litigation, Conveyancing, Probate, Notary Services, and more.
Next Steps:
For those using our Compliance Service, we will work with you to update your policies and provide updated guidance. If you need personalised support, contact us directly to discuss how we can assist your firm.
Read the full blog to understand the practical steps your firm should take here.
Mazur & Stuart v. Charles Russell Speechleys LLP – Should Firms Make a Self-Report?
Following our previous discussions on the Mazur & Stuart v. Charles Russell Speechleys LLP case, we’ve received several inquiries from firms regarding whether they should self-report to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) or notify their Professional Indemnity Insurers about potential breaches of the Legal Services Act 2007 (LSA).
Key Insights: Self-Reporting to the SRA:
We currently advise against premature self-reporting. While the SRA has acknowledged wrongful advice, it has yet to issue definitive guidance. It is essential to investigate and document any potential breaches, assess their scale and impact, and add these to your COLP breach register. We recommend adopting a measured approach, waiting for clear guidance from the SRA before deciding to report.
Notifying Your Insurer:
At this stage, we believe it is premature to notify your Professional Indemnity Insurer unless claims are imminent. Once more clarity emerges from the SRA’s investigation, you can make a more informed decision about external reporting, including to your insurer.
Next Steps: Ongoing Support:
Our team at the Regulation and Compliance Office (RACO) is committed to keeping you updated with the latest guidance. For those already using our services, we will continue to engage with your team directly. If you’re not yet working with us, don’t hesitate to get in touch for tailored advice.
Read the full blog to understand your obligations and safeguard your practice here
Mazur Update – CILEx members can conduct Property and Probate services
Following our previous guidance on Mazur & Stuart v. Charles Russell Speechleys LLP, we have an important update from CILEx Office Holders for members.
Key Update:Probate and Property Services Exemption:
CILEx confirms that the Mazur decision does not affect probate and conveyancing services. Members can continue to handle these reserved activities under the supervision of authorised lawyers, as outlined in Schedule 3 of the Legal Services Act 2007.
Litigation Still Affected:
There is no exemption for litigation, so firms must continue to focus on processes in this area to ensure compliance. This clarification allows firms to maintain existing practices in probate and conveyancing, provided supervision is appropriately documented by an authorised person. We anticipate similar guidance from the SRA soon, which should ease ongoing concerns.
Next Steps:
Our Regulation and Compliance Office (RACO) team will continue monitoring developments and provide practical guidance as updates emerge. Firms using our services will receive direct engagement for tailored support. For others, we remain available to assist.
We are here to help your firm navigate these regulatory changes and ensure staff and processes remain fully compliant read full blog here
Scam Alerts
Warning: Email claiming to be from ‘SK Lloyds Solicitors’
The Scam:
Please be aware of a scam email claiming to be from the now-closed firm SK Lloyds Solicitors Ltd. The email, dated 26 September 2025 with the subject line “SK Lloyds Solicitors shared ‘New Proposal’ with you”, invites recipients to review project details via a link, which may be malicious. The email uses the name Zaqiya Khan (Legal Assistant) and the address admin@sklloyds.co.uk, along with outdated contact details of the closed firm. SK Lloyds Solicitors Ltd was officially closed on 4 September 2025 and is no longer regulated by the SRA.
Recommended Action:
If you receive any such correspondence, do not respond or click any links. Verify any communication by contacting the SRA or checking established public records.
Need Guidance?
Contact your Regulation and Compliance Office or reach out to the SRA for verification and advice.
Read the full alert here
Warning: Website providing a false contact number for Osiris Solicitors Ltd
The Scam:
The SRA has issued a warning regarding a scam involving Osiris Solicitors Ltd. A genuine firm’s website was compromised, providing a false telephone number: 0330 311 0880. Any business conducted through this number is not authorised or connected to the genuine firm or its solicitors.
Recommended Action:
Verify any correspondence claiming to be from the firm via reliable and established channels. Check firms and individuals on the SRA register to confirm authorisation. Conduct due diligence before engaging in transactions or sharing sensitive information.
Need Guidance?
Contact your Regulation and Compliance Office or reach out to the SRA for verification and advice.
Read the full alert here
BEEN CONTACTED? Here’s What to Do
When a firm’s or individual’s identity has been copied or cloned, due diligence is necessary. If you receive correspondence you believe to be suspicious, you should conduct your own due diligence by checking the authenticity of the correspondence by contacting the law firm directly by reliable and established means. You can also contact the SRA directly to find out if individuals or firms are regulated and authorised by the SRA and verify an individual’s or firm’s practising details. Other verification methods, such as checking public records (e.g. telephone directories and company records), maybe required in other circumstances.
Reach Out to RACO
We at RACO are always at hand to provide tailored guidance to help you make the most informed and beneficial decisions. We help you understand the recurrent regulatory shifts and work with you to provide solutions. With our team of professional specialists and our renowned legal expertise, we can work with your firm to always ensure you are never left unprepared in the wake of legal changes or cyber threats.
For more information on how we can help, call our consultants on 0203 985 8550 or email us at info@regulationandcomplianceoffice.co.uk
