Which statement about compliance with laws in the SRA framework is true?

• A. It applies only to professional misconduct
• B. It is optional for certain practitioners
• C. It requires adherence to all relevant laws as part of the integrity and fairness framework
• D. It is judged only in relation to criminal cases

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that following the law is a fundamental obligation for solicitors under the SRA framework. The framework embeds compliance with all relevant laws as part of the integrity and fairness standard that governs professional conduct. This means every solicitor must act in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements that apply to their practice, not just in situations involving clients or in criminal cases.

Why this fits: the SRA framework is built on upholding the rule of law and the proper administration of justice, and acting with integrity and fairness includes obeying the law in every aspect of practice. The duty covers a wide range of obligations—from substantive law to regulatory rules, including anti-money laundering, data protection, and professional conduct rules. A breach isn’t limited to criminal activity or to situations that look like professional misconduct on the surface; it can arise from any failure to comply with relevant laws, and that can trigger disciplinary action regardless of whether a client is involved or a criminal case is in play.

So the statement that adherence to all relevant laws as part of the integrity and fairness framework is the true position aligns with how the SRA expects solicitors to conduct themselves.