Harris + Harris are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).  The SRA is the independent Regulatory Body of the Law Society of England & Wales.  Their purpose is to protect the public by ensuring that Solicitors meet high standards, by acting when risks are identified.  www.sra.org.uk

Harris + Harris have members of these Specialist Panels and Societies.

ADR for Business Lease Renewals
http://www.rics.org

John Clare, Commercial Property Partner, is experienced at dealing with the renewal of Commercial Leases under the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954. In addition he is specially trained under the Professional Arbitration on Court Terms (PACT) scheme set up by the Law Society and RICS. This provides an opportunity for commercial landlords and tenants to avoid costly court proceedings by having a dispute over renewal terms referred to a professional solicitor or surveyor. They will provide an independent decision acting as an expert or arbitrator.

Lawyers For Your Business
www.lawsociety.org.uk/lfyb

The Frome office of Harris + Harris has signed up to the Law Society's Lawyers For Your Business initiative. This is intended to help and support owner managed businesses by providing step by step guides for common legal problems, and the opportunity for a free half hour consultation to discuss any legal issues affecting their business. www.lawsociety.org.uk/lfyb

Legal Sector Alliance (LSA)
www.legalsectoralliance.com

The Legal Sector Alliance is an inclusive movement of law firms committed to working together to take action on climate change by reducing their carbon footprint and adopting environmentally sustainable practices. Harris + Harris were amongst the first firms to sign up to the LSA Principles. For more information see www.legalsectoralliance.com

Resolution (formerly the Solicitors Family Law Association)
www.resolution.org.uk

Resolution promotes a constructive approach and the use of dispute resolution methods, such as mediation and collaborative law. Members are bound by Resolution's Code of Practice, which requires a non-confrontational approach and encouraging clients to reach fair agreements but minimise conflict and distress. This includes being firm but fair, and taking immediate and decisive action where necessary.

Law Society Family Panel
http://www.lawsociety.org.uk

Law Society established the Family Law Panel to identify solicitors and legal executives who specialise in family law, and have sufficient experience and knowledge. The Family Law Protocol aims encourage a constructive and conciliatory approach though narrowing the issues in dispute. It encourages effective and timely resolution to ensure that costs are not unreasonably incurred. Proper regard is given to the interests of the children and long-term family relationships, but risks to the parties and/or the children are minimised, and safety is a primary concern.

The Education Law Association (ELAS)
www.educationlawassociation.org.uk

ELAS was founded to support the advancement of education by providing a source of advice and assistance about education law. It promotes and develops expertise, through training and the exchange of information, in the practice, knowledge and implementation of education law and fosters co-operation with related fields of law and between lawyers in other countries and jurisdictions.

Employment Lawyers Association (ELA)
www.elaweb.org.uk

Since its inception in 1992 ELA has become the voice of authority on employment law. ELA's members are qualified lawyers, both barristers and solicitors, practising in employment law in the UK and organisations engaged in the practice of employment law.

The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)
www.step.org

STEP provides education, training, representation and networking for its members, who are professionals specialising in trusts and estates, executorship, administration and related taxes. Peace of mind can only be guaranteed by using properly qualified professionals. STEP members are experts who can support you through every trust or estates issue. Members are obliged to undertake continuing training.

Full members of STEP are the most experienced and senior practitioners in the field of trusts and estates.

Ecclesiastical Law Society
www.ecclawsoc.org.uk

This Society promotes the study of ecclesiastical and canon law, in the Church of England and churches in communion with it. It also provides assistance on ecclesiastical law to the General Synod of the Church of England, the Convocations of Canterbury and York and other bodies.