A message pings in my inbox. A call back request. I make the call and spend the next half hour talking with a solicitor who is on the verge of tears – absolutely terrified of making a mistake and the SRA coming down on them “like a tonne of bricks”.
This is not a new conversation for us – working in the world of risk and compliance, we hear such things often. But this call was different – there was a fear in the voice, a quiver in the tone, tears being fought back and most definitely a lack of sleep being had.
The SRA is tasked with ensuring that the legal profession upholds its high standards of ethics, competence, and service. However, the ever-expanding compliance burden is undoubtedly increasing strain on solicitors across the country. So much so, many now feel helpless under the weight of rules, leaving some in the profession to wonder if the regulatory system has gone too far.
A growing burden
Solicitors are no strangers to pressure. Long hours, client expectations, and complex cases are all part of the job. However, in recent years, the demands placed on solicitors by regulatory changes have created an environment where compliance is becoming not just a professional requirement but a significant burden.
From the evolving rules around continuing professional development (CPD), to the introduction of more stringent transparency requirements, data protection legislation and anti-money laundering regulation, the SRA’s ever-expanding web of conduct rules, guidance and warnings has created an increasingly complex landscape.
For smaller firms and sole practitioners, the pressure is particularly acute. Many find themselves struggling to balance the requirements of day-to-day practice (aka earning a living) with the administrative and compliance tasks imposed by the regulator.
The human cost of regulation
It’s not just the financial cost of compliance that’s worrying legal professionals. For many solicitors, the emotional toll is becoming more apparent. Some solicitors tell us that they feel utterly defeated. These are professionals with a long service history – experienced people. “Exhausted and overwhelmed” was the comment made in my telephone conversation.
And the reason? “The constant threat of a mistake.”
LawCare’s recent Impact Report cited a 13% increase in people reaching out to them in 2024 compared to 2023 (a total of 1,037 people), with 39% of those being in relation to stress and anxiety.
With many solicitors feeling this way, the question needs to be asked – has the current regulatory environment eroded the passion for practising the law?
A system under strain
The SRA is clear about its mission to ensure high standards within the legal profession, and indeed, many of the regulations it enforces are essential for ensuring public trust in legal services. However, critics increasingly argue that the volume and complexity of rules are reaching unsustainable levels, especially when the regulator is more willing to flex its fining muscles.
While the SRA has introduced various resources aimed at guiding solicitors through the regulatory maze, many feel that these are not enough to counterbalance the rising demands. Some solicitors may argue that rather than helping, the SRA’s approach feels more punitive, particularly when penalties for minor and historic infractions can be severe and damaging to a solicitor’s career.
We know that living under the constant threat of fines, enforcement action, investigations that are dragged out (sometimes over years), and the fear of being named and shamed can severely damage solicitors’ wellbeing.
And with so many solicitors feeling the pressure, calls for regulatory reform are only likely to grow louder. Legal professionals will, no doubt, advocate for a system that allows them to focus more on their clients and less on compliance. A balance needs to be struck where the SRA can target the bad actors, whilst getting out of the way for everyone else.
There have been suggestions that the SRA should streamline its regulatory processes, providing clearer guidance, offering more practical support, and considering the impact of each regulation on the day-to-day lives of solicitors. With mental health within the profession already a serious concern, the idea of a more compassionate and understanding regulatory environment is gaining traction – and rightly so.
You are not alone
As the regulatory landscape becomes increasingly burdensome, the human cost of compliance cannot be ignored. Solicitors are among the most dedicated of professionals, often working long hours under immense pressure to serve their clients.
However, if the SRA’s regulatory demands continue to escalate without proper consideration of the impact on the mental and emotional well-being of solicitors, the legal profession may soon face a crisis of its own. The time has come for the regulators to reflect on the toll their approach is taking.
If you are experiencing difficulties, help is available from LawCare:
- Helpline – 0800 279 6888 (Monday to Friday from 9am – 5:30pm)
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- General email – admin@lawcare.org.uk
- Support email – support@lawcare.org.uk
In 2025, LawCare is conducting research on Life in the Law which aims to get a deeper understanding of current mental health and wellbeing in the legal sector. You can contribute to their research by completing this survey.
