The SRA is consulting until 3 December 2026 on proposed updates to the Statement of Solicitor Competence. Its current view is that a standalone technology competence is not necessary. It proposes instead to embed technology including AI into existing competence areas. Nothing in the consultation changes the rules today.
What is under consultation?
On 8 October 2026 the SRA opened a consultation on the Statement of Solicitor Competence (SoSC) and the SQE Functioning Legal Knowledge. The SoSC sets out what solicitors need to be able to do at qualification and through continuing competence. The consultation runs to 3 December 2026. The SRA says it is not seeking a change to rules or regulatory arrangements through this paper.
After responses are analysed, it expects to publish final versions of the SoSC and FLK in April 2027, with any changes taking effect in September 2027 ahead of SQE1 in January 2028.
Where would technology including AI sit?
The consultation discusses whether competence in technology and AI should be a core professional competence on its own. Different jurisdictions have taken different approaches. Stakeholder feedback was mixed.
The SRA's current view is that it is not necessary to introduce a standalone technology competence. It proposes to reflect technology including AI inside existing competences where they matter most for effective and ethical practice.
Which three areas would change?
The consultation proposes specific references in:
- ethics, professionalism and judgement, so solicitors maintain the level of competence and knowledge needed to practise effectively, taking into account developments in technology including AI
- technical legal practice, for research and drafting, seeking to address concerns regarding AI hallucinations in legal work and submissions to the court
- supervision, so competence rests not only with solicitors using technology and AI, but also with those who supervise or manage others and have oversight and responsibility for work that includes that use
It also proposes a separate SoSC section on effective supervision of others, aligned to the SRA's Effective Supervision guidance, with greater emphasis on supervision in the use of technology and AI.
How does this sit next to other guidance?
The consultation is about competence standards that sit alongside the Codes of Conduct, not a replacement for them. Separate SRA material already addresses how existing duties apply when AI is used, including the Misuse of AI warning notice. Barristers have their own BSB AI guidance, summarised in our note on what the BSB's AI guidance means for solicitors. CILEx-authorised professionals have CILEx Regulation's AI guidance. Complaint patterns that mention AI appear in the Legal Ombudsman's AI and complaints research. Firm survey context on policies and training is in our PwC law firm survey note.
What should a firm take from the open consultation?
This is a consultation on proposed wording. It is not a new Code duty and not an admissions rule in force. The questions invite views on the technology and AI amendments, on effective supervision as a competence, and on whether the draft is clearer and more accessible.
Beth Black, SRA Director of Education and Training, said keeping the framework up to date helps make sure it remains "a practical and relevant tool for solicitors, employers and educators". Responses close on 3 December 2026. More on Margo Legal and other insights.
Margo Legal is not a law firm and does not give legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is under consultation?
On 8 October 2026 the SRA opened a consultation on the Statement of Solicitor Competence (SoSC) and the SQE Functioning Legal Knowledge. The SoSC sets out what solicitors need to be able to do at qualification and through continuing competence. The consultation runs to 3 December 2026. The SRA says it is not seeking a change to rules or regulatory arrangements through this paper.
Where would technology including AI sit?
The consultation discusses whether competence in technology and AI should be a core professional competence on its own. Different jurisdictions have taken different approaches. Stakeholder feedback was mixed.
Which three areas would change?
The consultation proposes specific references in ethics, professionalism and judgement; technical legal practice for research and drafting; and supervision, so competence rests not only with solicitors using technology and AI, but also with those who supervise or manage others.
How does this sit next to other guidance?
The consultation is about competence standards that sit alongside the Codes of Conduct, not a replacement for them. Separate SRA material already addresses how existing duties apply when AI is used, including the Misuse of AI warning notice.
What should a firm take from the open consultation?
This is a consultation on proposed wording. It is not a new Code duty and not an admissions rule in force. The questions invite views on the technology and AI amendments, on effective supervision as a competence, and on whether the draft is clearer and more accessible.
Sources
- SRA, "SRA seeks views on updates to solicitor competence framework", 8 October 2026: https://www.sra.org.uk/news/news/releases/competence-framework/
- SRA consultation listing (Start 8 Oct 2026, End 3 December 2026): https://www.sra.org.uk/sra/consultations/consultation-listing/review-competence/
- SRA, Review of the Statement of Solicitor Competence and SQE Functioning Legal Knowledge, consultation PDF: https://www.sra.org.uk/globalassets/documents/sra/consultations/2026/review-statement-sqe-flk/review-competence.pdf