Sexual Misconduct & the SRA - Guidance, Case Law & Practical Lessons

Introduction

In 2022, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) published guidance explaining how allegations of sexual misconduct may engage its regulatory jurisdiction.

Since then, a number of cases have provided further insight into how the SRA and the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal approach such allegations in practice.

All regulated firms should understand the SRA’s guidance, its expectations of firms and the factors it considers when assessing the seriousness of alleged sexual misconduct.

Ideal for compliance officers and those responsible for managing regulatory risk, this short webinar provides an up-to-date overview of the regulatory framework and examines key case studies arising since the guidance was published.

What You Will Learn

This short webinar will cover:

• A brief overview of the SRA regulatory framework and guidance on sexual misconduct
• What may constitute sexual misconduct for regulatory purposes
• Sexual misconduct in an individual’s private life and its proximity to legal practice
• How the SRA assesses seriousness, including factors such as criminality, consent, vulnerability and intoxication
• The SRA’s expectations of regulated firms
• Practical examples drawn from the SRA’s guidance
• Key case studies and Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal decisions since the guidance was published
• The practical lessons these cases provide for firms and compliance officers