The SRA Principles
The SRA Principles are the seven overarching ethical mandates that govern all those the SRA regulates. They express the fundamental standards expected of solicitors and firms and underpin the entire regulatory framework.
What "The SRA Principles" covers
- There are seven Principles: act (1) in a way that upholds the constitutional principle of the rule of law and the proper administration of justice; (2) in a way that upholds public trust and confidence in the solicitors' profession; (3) with independence; (4) with honesty; (5) with integrity; (6) in a way that encourages equality, diversity and inclusion; and (7) in the best interests of each client.
- Where two or more Principles come into conflict, the one that best serves the public interest (especially the proper administration of justice) takes precedence.
- The Principles apply to individuals and firms and cover conduct both inside and, in some respects, outside practice.
- Honesty (Principle 4) and integrity (Principle 5) are distinct: integrity is a broader concept than dishonesty (Wingate v SRA; Ivey v Genting on the test for dishonesty).
- Breach of the Principles can lead to disciplinary action by the SRA or the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
- The Principles sit above and inform the two Codes of Conduct.
- Acting in the best interests of the client (Principle 7) does not permit breaching the law or other Principles.
Key cases & statutes
The authorities and provisions most likely to matter for this subtopic:
How it's tested in SQE1
SQE1 uses single best answer questions: a short factual scenario, one precise question, and five options of which only one is the best answer on the law applied to the facts. For the sra principles, expect to be asked what the correct legal position is, what a party may or must do, or which outcome follows — with more than one option looking arguable. Reading the facts carefully and eliminating the near-misses is the skill that earns the mark.
Where candidates lose marks
- Treating honesty and integrity as the same - integrity is wider and can be breached without dishonesty.
- Assuming the client's best interests (Principle 7) can justify overriding the public interest or the law.
- Forgetting the priority rule: where Principles conflict, the public interest and proper administration of justice prevail.
- Reciting only some Principles - candidates should know all seven.
Learn this subtopic in the course
A video lesson, notes and exam-style practice on the sra principles.
FAQ
Is the sra principles tested on SQE1?
Yes — the sra principles is part of the SQE1 Legal Services & Professional Conduct syllabus (FLK1) and can appear in single best answer questions.
How is the sra principles examined in SQE1?
SQE1 tests it by application: you're given a realistic scenario and choose the single best answer from five options. The focus is on using the law correctly, not reciting it — knowing the leading authorities (SRA Principles (the seven Principles), SRA Standards and Regulations 2019) helps.