UK Solicitors Regulation Authority

SQE Annual Reports Confirm Robust Assessment With Fee Increases for 2026/27

The SRA published its fourth annual suite of reports on the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), confirming the assessment is robust and defensible while noting improvements in delivery and candidate support. In 2024/25, 13,081 candidates took SQE1 and 5,752 took SQE2; SQE2 pass rates rose from 76% to 81%. The SRA also confirmed new fees effective from October 2026: SQE1 will increase to £2,006 (from £1,934) and SQE2 to £3,086 (from £2,974), reflecting inflation and Welsh translation costs.

PM Law £39.5M Fraud: 92 Claims, £9.31M Paid to Former Clients

The SRA has confirmed its ongoing investigation into PM Law Ltd involves suspected fraud with £39.5 million in improperly removed client funds. As of 17 April 2026, the SRA Compensation Fund has paid 92 claims totalling £9.31 million, with a further £6.8 million paid from money held within the firm. The total estimated value of claims to-date is £21.52 million. The PM Law group comprised 11 companies, 25 offices and more than 30 trading names across Yorkshire, Cumbria, Berkshire, Derbyshire and London.

SRA Consults on Mandatory Ethical Discussions for Solicitors

The SRA is consulting on proposals that would require all solicitors to record their learning and development needs and sign a declaration confirming they have identified and addressed these needs. The proposals also mandate annual participation in ethical discussions where solicitors work through ethical dilemmas and scenarios with peers. Any final rule changes would require application to the Legal Services Board following the 12-week consultation period closing on 15 July 2026. Solicitors and law firms should review current continuing competence practices to prepare for potential new documentation and participation requirements.