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

The SRA Principles include upholding the rule of law and the proper administration of justice, acting with independence, integrity, and in the best interests of clients, while maintaining public trust in the profession.

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

A solicitor's duty of confidentiality continues indefinitely, even after the client relationship ends. It is subject to limited exceptions, such as where disclosure is required by law or court order, or where the client gives informed consent.

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 Legal Services Board (LSB) was established by the Legal Services Act 2007 as the oversight regulator. It oversees approved regulators including the SRA (solicitors), BSB (barristers), and CILEx Regulation (legal executives).

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

The SRA Accounts Rules require that client money is kept separate from the firm's money in a designated client account. This protects client funds from being mixed with the firm's finances and ensures they are available when needed.

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

If a solicitor discovers that their services are being used to facilitate fraud, they must cease acting. They should also consider their obligations under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) to make a suspicious activity report (SAR) to the National Crime Agency.

SQE1 Practice Test

SQE1 Practice Test

SQE1 Legal Services