20 Sra courses in Birmingham delivered Live Online

The LAA operates a strict compliance regime when it comes to auditing family controlled work matters, and mistakes can often result in a Contract Notice, corrective action, and further follow-up activity within 6 months. This course will discuss the various aspects of family controlled work billing, with discussions on topics such as how to bill private law, public law, and help with mediation matters; how to evidence whether substantive negotiations and a settlement have taken place in private law matters; how do the LAA audit travel and other disbursement claims; what evidence must be present on files to avoid any issues on audit – including scope, gateway evidence, and forms/evidence of means (rules on evidence of means will be included in brief, however, a separate, more in-depth Civil Means Assessment Guidance Course is available); and the rules on claiming separate matters and escape fees. Key aspects of the Civil Contract and associated LAA Guidance (including the Codes Guidance) will be included, along with a discussion of common errors that are made. Target Audience This online course is aimed at anyone involved in billing Family Controlled Work matters or managing an LAA Family Contract. Resources Course notes will be provided to all delegates which may be useful for ongoing reference or cascade training. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. Speaker Steve Keeling, Consultant, DG Legal Steve joined DG Legal after leaving the Legal Aid Agency in August 2016. In his 17 years at the LAA, he worked in the audit team as both auditor and manager and was a Contract Manager for several years. Steve is also a certified SQM auditor and undertakes audits on behalf of Recognising Excellence as well as running training sessions for the SQM Audit Team periodically.

This course satisfies the supervision requirements in the LAA Standard Contract & covers the key skills needed to ensure compliance with the LAA Contract.

This online course is suitable for those who are familiar with the accounts rules, such as COFA’s and legal cashiers, but wish to expand their technical knowledge on the day to day application of them.  This course will reflect on the 2019 rule changes and where firms might have gone wrong in implementing these. It will also consider what ‘good’ systems, policies and procedures look like as well as providing you with tools to evaluate if your interest policy is ‘fair and reasonable’ and practical scenarios to identify banking facilities. Target Audience This online course is suitable for COFAs, those supporting the COFA, legal cashiers and for those that wish to expand their technical knowledge on the day to day application of the SRA accounts rules. Resources An information pack including the course slides will be provided to all delegates, which may be useful for ongoing reference. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. Speaker Sarah Charlton, Consultant, DG Legal Sarah has a BSc (Hons) in Applied Accounting and is a Fellow member of the Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants. Her career spans over 35 years working within the legal sector, fulfilling roles from COFA through to CEO. During her career she has worked with a number of legal regulators, professional bodies and government organisations. Sarah has been a member of the Institute of Legal Finance and Management throughout her career, qualifying as a Fellow member in 2005. Sarah also served as chairperson between 2010-2012 and continues to serve as an Executive Council Member.

The COLP role goes beyond just ensuring your firm follows the rules in the SRA Standards and Regulations, it also comes with a personal accountability factor that demands your attention. Fear not! This 3 hour course will usher you through the intricacies of being a COLP, ensuring you not only meet but excel in your regulatory obligations.  The course will cover: Navigating the Regulatory Landscape: Understanding the Framework for COLPs Dive into the intricate regulatory framework that Compliance Officers for Legal Practice (COLPs) operate under. Shouldering the Responsibility: Unpacking the Duties of a COLP Explore the multifaceted responsibilities that come with the role of a COLP. Choosing the Right Leader: Identifying the Ideal COLP Candidate Learn the criteria for selecting the most suitable individual to take on the crucial role of COLP. Cracking the Codes: Key Elements of Codes and SRA Principles Delve into the essential components of the Codes and SRA Principles that form the backbone of legal compliance. Building a Robust Foundation: Understanding Compliance Systems for All Firms Explore the concept of compliance systems, what they entail, and why every firm should have one in place. Reporting Matters: Recognising 'Serious' Issues, SRA Enforcement Strategy, and Reporting Protocols Uncover the definition of 'serious' matters, grasp the SRA Enforcement Strategy, and gain practical insights on making effective reports to the SRA. Paper Trails Matter: Effective Record Keeping, Including Non-material Breaches Master the art of comprehensive record-keeping, including strategies for recording non-material breaches, and understand why it's integral to compliance. Personal Liability: Understanding and Mitigating Risks Navigate the landscape of personal liability for COLPs and develop strategies to mitigate associated risks. Staying Ahead: Keeping Abreast of Regulatory Changes and Guidance Develop effective strategies for staying up to date with dynamic regulatory changes and evolving guidance. Planning for Compliance: Crafting a Robust Strategy, Assessing Risk, and File Reviewing Formulate a comprehensive plan for tackling compliance, including risk assessment, maintaining risk registers, and implementing effective file reviewing. Across the Board: Legal and Regulatory Compliance Areas Every COLP Must Master Gain a high-level overview of crucial legal and regulatory compliance areas, including AML, transparency rules, and other pivotal aspects that demand the attention of all COLPs. Target Audience This online course is suitable for those new to the COLP role, or those supporting the COLP and for those that would like a refresher of the role and their responsibilities. Resources Comprehensive and up to date course notes will be provided to all delegates which may be useful for ongoing reference or cascade training. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. Speaker Helen Torresi, Consultant, DG Legal Helen is a qualified solicitor with a diverse professional background spanning leadership roles in both the legal and tech/corporate sectors. Throughout her career, she has held key positions such as COLP, HOLP, MLCO, MLRO and DPO for law firms and various regulated businesses and services. Helen’s specialised areas encompass AML, complaint and firm negligence handling, DPA compliance, file review and auditing, law management, and operational effectiveness in law firms, particularly in conveyancing (CQS).

In January 2024 alone, reports were published about the SRA taking enforcement action against 3 firms and 4 individuals for failure to comply with the Money Laundering Regulations 2017. The fines issued for these non-compliances total over £570,000 plus costs. The absence of staff training, or requirement to complete additional training, was noted in a number of these cases. Action has not only been taken against solicitors, but also other individuals who are not regulated by the SRA, whose breaches were so serious that the SRA felt compelled to take action.  As all SRA enforcement action, from rebukes to fines, is published by the SRA, the potential financial and reputational impact upon firms may be felt by all staff, regardless of whether they had any direct involvement with the non-compliance. This course will cover the following to assist support staff in understanding the fundamental aspects of AML. The basics of what AML is In scope / not in scope work for AML POCA / TA PCPs - CDD & EDD Clients Risks – what could raise a risk? Reporting to the MLRO / MLCO Tipping off Target Audience The online course is suitable for support staff or legal practitioners wanting to understand the basics of AML. Resources Comprehensive and up to date course notes will be provided to all delegates which may be useful for ongoing reference or cascade training. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. Speaker Helen Torresi, Consultant, DG Legal Helen is a qualified solicitor with a diverse professional background spanning leadership roles in both the legal and tech/corporate sectors. Throughout her career, she has held key positions such as COLP, HOLP, MLCO, MLRO and DPO for law firms and various regulated businesses and services. Helen’s specialised areas encompass AML, complaint and firm negligence handling, DPA compliance, file review and auditing, law management, and operational effectiveness in law firms, particularly in conveyancing (CQS).

In January 2024 alone, reports were published about the SRA taking enforcement action against 3 firms and 4 individuals for failure to comply with the Money Laundering Regulations 2017. The fines issued for these non-compliances total over £570,000 plus costs. The absence of staff training, or requirement to complete additional training, was noted in a number of these cases. As a manager of a law firm, or more crucially an MLRO or MLCO, the ultimate responsibility for the firm's compliance, including with the MLR 2017, lies with you. It is your responsibility to ensure that the firm puts in place, reviews and updates compliant policies, controls and procedures. You must ensure that the firm maintains an up to date practice wide risk assessment. You are required to ensure that your employees are regularly given training on the MLR 2017 and associated risks. If a breach occurs, the SRA will take a wider look at the firm and identify any supervisory deficiencies that may have contributed to failures by fee earners or support staff. It has proven that it will not shy away from holding to account managers, compliance officers and MLRO/MLCOs for failures by their firms to comply with requirements of the MLR 2017. This course will cover the following to assist firms MLROs, MLCOs and Management with fulfilling their AML management responsibilities: How to comply with your obligations and stay compliant FWRA – linked with PCPs Mandatory AML Policies and Procedures - SRA have concerns Training and supervising staff Audits SRA requirements Reporting SARS POCA/TA Fulfilling reporting officer and compliance officer duties Target Audience The online course is suitable for MLROs, MLCOs, firm management and those supporting these roles. Resources Comprehensive and up to date course notes will be provided to all delegates which may be useful for ongoing reference or cascade training. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. Speaker Helen Torresi, Consultant, DG Legal Helen is a qualified solicitor with a diverse professional background spanning leadership roles in both the legal and tech/corporate sectors. Throughout her career, she has held key positions such as COLP, HOLP, MLCO, MLRO and DPO for law firms and various regulated businesses and services. Helen’s specialised areas encompass AML, complaint and firm negligence handling, DPA compliance, file review and auditing, law management, and operational effectiveness in law firms, particularly in conveyancing (CQS).

This training is for lawyers and covers key topics to ensure compliance with the Lexcel standard and other regulations.

This training is designed for lawyers and covers key topics to ensure compliance with the Specialist Quality Mark (SQM) and other regulations.

In January 2024 alone, reports were published about the SRA taking enforcement action against 3 firms and 4 individuals for failure to comply with the Money Laundering Regulations 2017. The fines issued for these non-compliances total over £570,000 plus costs. The absence of staff training, or requirement to complete additional training, was noted in a number of these cases. Many of the breaches resulting in enforcement action involved failures by the fee earners to conduct appropriate due diligence, adequately check the source of funds and/or wealth or recognise and report red flags. As highlighted by enforcement action being taken against individuals as well as firms, fee earners cannot hide behind their firm when AML failures occur and may be held personally accountable by the SRA for non-compliances with the MLR 2017. This course will cover the following to assist fee earners in the application of AML in their casework. How to comply with your obligations and stay compliant Written CRA & MRA Client Booms Risks – what to consider? PCPs – CDD &EDD POCA / TA SOF and SOW On going monitoring Reporting to MLRO/MLCO Tipping off Target Audience The online course is suitable for fee earners or legal practitioners that want to improve their AML knowledge. Resources Comprehensive and up to date course notes will be provided to all delegates which may be useful for ongoing reference or cascade training. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. Speaker Helen Torresi, Consultant, DG Legal Helen is a qualified solicitor with a diverse professional background spanning leadership roles in both the legal and tech/corporate sectors. Throughout her career, she has held key positions such as COLP, HOLP, MLCO, MLRO and DPO for law firms and various regulated businesses and services. Helen’s specialised areas encompass AML, complaint and firm negligence handling, DPA compliance, file review and auditing, law management, and operational effectiveness in law firms, particularly in conveyancing (CQS).

Despite being a requirement under the Money Laundering Regulations 2017 (MLR 2017), in 2023/24 the SRA found that 19% of files reviewed did not contain a client and matter risk assessment (CMRA), with a further 12% of files containing ineffective CMRAs.  At best, the firms conducting these files were putting themselves at risk of regulatory action for failure to comply with the MLR 2017. More seriously, firms may have been facilitating money laundering through their failure to adequately assess and address the risks posed by clients and matters.  The SRA has issued a number of significant fines to firms with no, or insufficient, CMRAs in place. In the year August 2024 to July 2025, firms were fined over £950,000 where ineffective or missing CMRAs were noted.  Although a firm’s MLRO, MLCO or its managers bear ultimate responsibility for ensuring its compliance with the MLR 2017, it is the responsibility of all those working on behalf of the firm to conduct and document the appropriate processes and checks on a day-to-day basis. Therefore, it is imperative that all staff understand not only how to complete a CMRA, but also the importance of doing so thoroughly and correctly.  This course will assist fee earners and support staff in confidently and competently completing client and matter risk assessments, understanding the types of risks to be identified and the importance of correctly identifying these.  Where the SRA has found failings at firms in respect of CMRAs, it has almost unanimously also found shortcomings in other areas of AML compliance. Where concerns are raised regarding a firm’s compliance with any aspect of the MLR 2017, the SRA will probe further and look into all areas of AML compliance. For information about DG Legal’s full range of AML training courses, please visit https://dglegal.co.uk/training/upcoming-premier-training-courses/.  Target Audience This online course is suitable for staff of all levels, from support staff to senior partners. Resources Comprehensive and up to date course notes will be provided to all delegates which may be useful for ongoing reference or cascade training. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. Speaker Paul Wightman, Consultant, DG Legal A qualified barrister, Paul graduated in Law from Birmingham University and was called to the Bar in 1994. He subsequently spent almost 20 years working for the Law Society of England and Wales, initially within the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors, then the Legal Complaints Service (LCS), and ultimately the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Paul is adept at undertaking audits and providing succinct reports on areas for improvement and can assist firms with advice on all aspects of SRA compliance and Anti-Money Laundering procedures.