SRA IT Compliance Checklist: 2026 Guide for UK Law Firms

Why IT Compliance Matters More Than Ever for UK Law Firms

The Solicitors Regulation Authority has made it increasingly clear: technology governance is no longer a back-office concern. For UK law firms of all sizes, IT compliance is now directly tied to your regulatory standing, your professional indemnity insurance, and — most critically — your clients' trust.

With 2026 approaching, many firms are conducting internal reviews to ensure their systems, policies, and controls meet current SRA expectations. If your firm hasn't completed a formal law firm IT audit UK recently, this guide will give you a practical, structured starting point.

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Understanding the SRA's Stance on Cyber Security

The SRA doesn't publish a prescriptive list of IT requirements, but it does hold firms accountable under the SRA Standards and Regulations, particularly around:

• Safeguarding client money and data
• Maintaining confidentiality
• Ensuring business continuity
• Reporting material cybersecurity incidents promptly

The SRA cyber security requirements are reinforced by obligations under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Together, these frameworks mean that a data breach or ransomware incident isn't just an IT headache — it can trigger regulatory investigations, fines, and reputational damage that's difficult to recover from.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has repeatedly flagged law firms as high-value targets due to the sensitive financial and personal data they hold. If your firm is in London or a major UK city, the risk profile is even higher.

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SRA IT Compliance Checklist for 2026

Use this as a working framework for your internal review or when briefing your IT support provider.

1. Data Protection and UK GDPR Alignment

• Maintain an up-to-date data register documenting what personal data you hold, where it's stored, and who has access
• Ensure lawful bases for processing are documented for all client and staff data
• Appoint a named individual responsible for data protection (not necessarily a formal DPO, but someone accountable)
• Review and update your privacy notices and client-facing data policies
• Confirm that any third-party software providers (case management, cloud storage, email) have signed Data Processing Agreements (DPAs)

2. Access Controls and Identity Management

• Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all systems — email, case management software, remote access, and cloud platforms
• Apply the principle of least privilege: staff should only access the data and systems needed for their role
• Conduct a quarterly review of user accounts, removing or disabling access for leavers promptly
• Enforce a strong password policy — ideally managed through a business password manager

3. Network and Endpoint Security

• Ensure all devices (including personal devices used for work) have up-to-date endpoint protection software
• Maintain a current asset register of all hardware and software in use across the firm
• Keep all operating systems and applications patched and updated — unpatched software is one of the most common attack vectors
• Segment your network where possible to limit the spread of any breach
• If staff work remotely, ensure they connect via a managed VPN rather than public Wi-Fi without protection

4. Email Security

Email remains the primary vector for phishing attacks targeting solicitors. Your legal sector IT compliance posture should include:

• SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records configured correctly for your domain to prevent impersonation
• Anti-phishing and anti-spoofing filters at the email gateway level
• Staff training to recognise phishing attempts, particularly invoice fraud and conveyancing fraud — both of which are rife in UK legal
• A clear process for verifying bank account changes by telephone before transferring client funds

5. Backup and Business Continuity

• Maintain automated daily backups stored in at least two locations, one of which is off-site or cloud-based
• Test your backups regularly — a backup that hasn't been tested is a backup you can't rely on
• Document and annually review a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP)
• Establish target Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPOs) appropriate to your firm's size and client commitments

6. Incident Response Planning

• Have a documented cyber incident response plan that includes who to notify, in what order, and within what timeframe
• The SRA expects firms to report material incidents — ensure your team knows what constitutes a reportable breach under both SRA rules and UK GDPR (the ICO's 72-hour reporting window applies)
• Conduct at least an annual tabletop exercise to test your response procedures

7. Staff Awareness and Training

Technology alone cannot protect your firm. Human error remains the leading cause of data breaches. At Coreitech, we recommend that all law firms deliver at minimum:

• Annual mandatory cyber security awareness training for all staff
• Simulated phishing exercises to test real-world susceptibility
• Clear written policies on acceptable use of IT systems, data handling, and remote working

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Cyber Essentials: Worth the Investment?

Cyber Essentials certification — backed by the UK Government — covers five key technical controls: firewalls, secure configuration, access control, malware protection, and patch management. For law firms pursuing managed IT support legal sector UK solutions, achieving Cyber Essentials (or the more rigorous Cyber Essentials Plus) demonstrates a credible baseline of security to clients, insurers, and the SRA alike.

Some professional indemnity insurers now offer reduced premiums for certified firms. It's a relatively low-cost certification that carries significant weight.

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Common IT Compliance Gaps We See in UK Law Firms

Through working with firms across London and the wider UK, the most frequent issues uncovered during a law firm IT audit UK include:

• MFA not enabled on email accounts
• Former employees' accounts still active weeks or months after leaving
• No formal backup testing process in place
• Case management software running on unsupported versions
• No documented incident response procedure
• Staff using personal email for client correspondence

If any of these sound familiar, you are not alone — but they do represent material risks that need addressing before they become costly problems.

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Next Steps: Getting Your Firm Audit-Ready

Legal sector IT compliance isn't a one-time exercise. It requires ongoing monitoring, periodic audits, and a support partner who understands both the technical landscape and the regulatory context in which law firms operate.

Whether you need help implementing cyber security for solicitors London, conducting a full IT audit, or building a long-term compliance roadmap, the right managed IT partner can make this process significantly less daunting.

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Speak to Coreitech About IT Support for Law Firms

Coreitech works with professional services firms across London and the UK, helping them meet their regulatory obligations without disrupting day-to-day operations. If you'd like to discuss your firm's current IT posture or book a no-obligation compliance review, get in touch with our team today.

📞 Call us: 0203 834 9728 📧 Email: sales@coreitech.co.uk 🌐 Visit: coreitech.co.uk