SLAPPs Guidance & Compliance - What the SRA Expects

Introduction

Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) have attracted considerable political and regulatory interest, and the media with its vested interest in not being subjected to litigation gives much coverage to the issue.

Underneath the noise, there are significant concerns being raised about solicitors making meritless claims on behalf of parties and, in particular, the potential misuse of defamation and associated litigation to try to silence journalists and publishers and avoid scrutiny.

The SRA has issued a Warning Notice regarding SLAPPs, but that guidance has been criticised by the Bar Council Ethics Committee.

All firms conducting litigation need to ensure they are aware of the abuse of litigation guidance and the SRA’s expectations, particularly those involved in media focused areas, such as defamation, privacy and engaging with journalists and publishers.

This webinar will be essential viewing for compliance professionals and litigators in firms involved in litigation matters.

What You Will Learn

This webinar will cover the following:

• Defining SLAPPs: what on earth is everybody talking about?
• The SRA’s thematic review: conduct in disputes, the SRA’s expectations and how to evidence your firm’s compliance
• Consideration of SLAPPs and abusive litigation and the SRA’s guidance
• The decision in Haddad v Rostamani and others [2024] EWHC 448 (Ch)
• Reporting others when concerns over SLAPPs or aggressive litigation misconduct occurs
• An overview of the SRA investigation process
• Steps to consider to ensure compliance and evidencing compliance

This pre-recorded webinar will be available to view from Monday 24th March 2025

Alternatively, you can gain access to this webinar and 1,700+ others via the MBL Webinar Subscription. Please email webinarsubscription@mblseminars.com for more details.