The question of confidence in the Solicitors Regulation Authority remains open after the Law Society’s AGM on 14 October 2026. The Society did not allow a formal no-confidence motion to be introduced because of notice and by-law requirements. A suggested attendee poll was not taken, so there was no AGM vote.
Jade Gani of the SME & Boutique Law Firm Alliance told the meeting that 92% of respondents to the Alliance’s consultation supported pursuing a vote. That is an Alliance consultation result, not a profession-wide poll or an AGM outcome.
The debate also included the proposed separation of COLP and COFA roles from unilateral management decision-making. The design discussed applies to firms above £600,000 turnover or with more than £2m in client money, subject to sole-owner-manager and exceptional-transaction qualifications. However, the SRA’s October 2026 update says it has paused progressing with the introduction of these separation rules. January 2027 phasing should therefore not be treated as a settled current implementation date.
The Law Society’s recruitment and approval concerns are prospective assessments rather than evidence of confirmed compliance vacancies or a measured talent shortage.