While fixed penalties of £750 or £1,500 will be charged for low-level misconduct, such as failing to publish the required costs or complaints information, fines for both individuals and firms for more serious breaches will be based on percentages of gross income or turnover. These would range from 0.2% to 5%.
The SRA intends to pilot the use of personal impact statements in cases of sexual misconduct, discrimination or harassment. It will also publish information on disciplinary decisions for longer periods, ranging from three years for warnings and fines to permanently for strike-off decisions.
The new regime is due to take effect on 30 May, subject to Legal Services Board approval.
Paul Philip, SRA chief executive, said: 'When we need to step in and take action it is important that we have a transparent and effective disciplinary approach in place.’
