Friday 30 November 2012 by John Hyde

More than half the expected applications for practising certficate renewal are still to be received with just two weeks of the process remaining.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority today revealed that more than 18,000 bulk or single applications are completed or nearing completion, out of an expected 37,000.

Those wishing to renew have until 14 December to complete the process, which started on 1 November.

Alan Vallance, SRA director of organisational services, said: 'We are pleased to report that mySRA is performing well and any issues being experienced by users are minor and easily addressed.

'We urge firms and individuals to complete the online renewals process as soon as possible rather than leaving it until the last minute.'

Those submitting bulk renewals must do so before the 14 December deadline but can arrange for payment to be made later.

The SRA contact centre will be open until 15 December for any queries from practitioners, with a range of support and guidance at the regulator's website.

So far there have been fewer reported problems than during last year's renewal process, when faults with the new online system forced the deadline to be repeatedly put back.