Law Society Gazette
The outgoing chair of the Solicitors Regulation Authority has offered an apology for mistakes of recent years as the groundwork is laid for finding her replacement.
Anna Bradley will reach the planned end of her tenure at the end of this year, bringing to a close almost eight years as the head of the organisation.
During the last three years in particular, the SRA has been beset by problems, including the damning reports into its handling of Axiom Ince and SSB Law, expensive costs orders for failed prosecutions and most recently the announcement that fees would have to rise significantly.
Bradley remained in post after former chief executive Paul Philip retired last year. She has remained steadfast in the face of calls to resign for the various failings of the regulator.
As the SRA this week began its formal process to find a successor, Bradley issued a statement which struck a contrite tone as she reflected on her tenure.
‘I have seen very significant change in the legal sector and in the resultant demands placed on the SRA,’ she said. ‘A central theme has been the need for us to focus more on firms and the way they operate in a rapidly changing legal sector to ensure that we protect consumers. This has required, and will continue to require, a rapid evolution in how we work.
‘Sometimes, we have not kept pace with the market and mistakes have been made. I am sorry these issues have had such an impact on consumers and the profession. Which is why, I have focused on learning and creating the momentum we need to deliver the necessary change.’
