SLAPPs Update: Legal Professional Privilege, SRA Investigations & Carter-Ruck v SRA

Introduction

The High Court’s decision in Carter-Ruck Solicitors and another v Solicitors Regulation Authority Ltd [2026] has significantly changed the legal position on the SRA’s ability to obtain privileged material during an investigation.

In this bite sized update, Evan Wright will explain why the Court held that section 44B of the Solicitors Act 1974 does not permit the SRA to compel production of documents or information protected by a client’s unwaived legal professional privilege and how the decision affects the regulator’s approach to alleged SLAPP conduct.

What You Will Learn

This webinar will cover the following:

• Consideration of the practical implications for solicitors, litigators, COLPs and compliance teams handling SLAPP-risk matters or responding to SRA information requests
• Distinguish legal professional privilege from confidentiality and waiver
• Identify what evidence remains available to the SRA
• Outline the immediate steps firms should take to protect privileged material while engaging appropriately with the regulator
• The SRA’s stated intention to seek permission to appeal
• The possibility of further legal or legislative developments