Lancaster University experts a part of a study examining the overrepresentation of Black, Asian and minority ethnic solicitors

Academics from Lancaster University Management School involved in a study examining the overrepresentation of Black, Asian and minority ethnic solicitors in complaints about solicitors made to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) have published a review of existing literature.

This review is the first part of an ongoing research project to try and understand why those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds are overrepresented in reports to, and resulting investigations by, the regulator. The literature review is directed at the pattern of complaints received by the SRA, which is the main area of focus for the research.

Professor James Faulconbridge is Lancaster’s lead on the study, working alongside academic colleagues from the Universities of York and Cardiff. Together, the research team have drawn together findings and commentary from a broad range of third party sources.

They found little existing material looking specifically at the legal sector. But they did identify a number of common themes from other sectors which might mean those from certain ethnic backgrounds are more likely to be reported to their regulator. These related to:

Conscious and unconscious perceptions or expectations, among those making the complaints, which mean they are more likely to complain about an individual.
Being more exposed to working environments, types of work or other case-related circumstances that by their very nature generate more complaints.
Based on the findings of the literature review, the universities are undertaking an objective and in-depth analysis of SRA datasets. They will also explore the experiences of solicitors and behaviours among legal service users.

A final report on the research is expected to published in spring 2024.

Professor James Faulconbridge said: “This is an important first step in our research. It has identified a number of factors to consider as we complete further investigations which will see us interview many solicitors to hear of their direct experiences, while continuing to scrutinise existing data.

“We will be working with the SRA over the next year and look forward to developing a more detailed understanding of the causes of the overrepresentation of Black, Asian and minority ethnic solicitors in complaints received by the SRA.”

Paul Philip, SRA Chief Executive, said: “The findings of this literature review confirms there is no simple explanation as to why Black, Asian and minority ethnic solicitors are overrepresented in the complaints that we receive. We want to know what structural and societal factors are driving this troubling and longstanding pattern. The next stages of the research will look into this further so that we can better understand what’s happening and how these issues could be addressed.”