SQE1 Legal Services

Question 1

Under the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Standards and Regulations, which of the following is a core principle that all solicitors must uphold?

Accepted Answer

Act in a way that upholds the constitutional principle of the rule of law and the proper administration of justice

Answer

Maximise the firm's profitability

Answer

Prioritise the interests of the firm over those of the client

Answer

Refuse to act for clients who cannot pay in advance

Question 2

What is a solicitor's duty of confidentiality under the SRA Code of Conduct?

Accepted Answer

The duty continues after the retainer ends and is subject to limited exceptions

Answer

Confidentiality applies only during the retainer and ends when the client relationship terminates

Answer

The duty is absolute and can never be overridden

Answer

Confidentiality only applies to information received in writing

Question 3

Under the Legal Services Act 2007, which body is the oversight regulator for all approved legal regulators?

Accepted Answer

The Legal Services Board

Answer

The Solicitors Regulation Authority

Answer

The Bar Standards Board

Answer

The Law Society

Question 4

What is the purpose of the SRA Accounts Rules regarding client money?

Accepted Answer

To ensure client money is kept separate from the firm's own money and properly safeguarded

Answer

To ensure solicitors invest client money for maximum returns

Answer

To allow solicitors to use client money for office expenses temporarily

Answer

To regulate the fees solicitors can charge

Question 5

A solicitor discovers that their client intends to use the solicitor's services to commit fraud. What must the solicitor do?

Accepted Answer

Cease acting for the client and consider making a report under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002

Answer

Continue acting as normal to protect client confidentiality

Answer

Report the client to the police immediately without any further consideration

Answer

Advise the client on how to avoid detection

Question 6

What is the significance of legal professional privilege in the context of solicitor-client communications?

Accepted Answer

It protects confidential communications between solicitor and client made for the purpose of giving or receiving legal advice from disclosure

Answer

It allows solicitors to withhold documents from discovery in all circumstances

Answer

It only applies to communications during litigation

Answer

It can be waived by the court at any time