SRA Statement of Solicitor Competence D
D. Managing themselves and their own work
Initiate, plan, prioritise and manage work activities and projects to ensure that they are completed efficiently, on time and to an appropriate standard, both in relation to their own work and work that they lead or supervise, including
a) Clarifying instructions so as to agree the scope and objectives of the work
b) Taking into account the availability of resources in initiating work activities
c) Meeting timescales, resource requirements and budgets
d) Monitoring, and keeping other people informed of, progress
e) Dealing effectively with unforeseen circumstances
f) Paying appropriate attention to detail
Keep, use and maintain accurate, complete and clear records, including
a) Making effective use of information management systems (whether electronic or hard copy), including storing and retrieving information
b) Complying with confidentiality, security, data protection and file retention and destruction requirements
Apply good business practice, including
a) Demonstrating an adequate understanding of the commercial, organisational and financial context in which they work and their role in it
b) Understanding the contractual basis on which legal services are provided, including where appropriate how to calculate and manage costs and bill clients
c) Applying the rules of professional conduct to accounting and financial matters
d) Managing available resources and using them efficiently