Services

Professional Discipline & Misconduct Solicitors

Allegations of professional misconduct or wrongdoing can have a serious impact on a person’s career, reputation and ability to earn a living.

When a professional finds themselves under the scrutiny of a regulator, seeking expert legal advice and representation is the best way to protect their interests and avoid or minimise any negative consequences.

Our team of professional discipline lawyers, based in London, represent clients in many professional and sporting sectors. We regularly deal with many different professional regulators, including the following bodies:

  • The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal
  • Department for Business Innovation and Skills
  • Financial Conduct Authority
  • General Medical Council
  • Security Industry Authority
  • The British Horseracing Authority (formerly the Jockey Club)
  • General Osteopathic Council

We are particularly well-known and respected for our work helping solicitors defend against allegations before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.

In recognition of the demands and sensitivity of this work, all professional discipline cases are dealt with at partner level. Our advice always takes reputational issues into consideration and is aimed at limiting the impact professional regulatory and disciplinary proceedings may have.

Strategically, we strive to engage with a professional’s regulator at an early stage. This can often allow an investigation to be keep short and discreet, reducing the risk of our clients’ reputations.

However, our dedicated litigation experts have an excellent track record of success representing clients in formal hearings with regulators, with powerful advocacy skills ready to be deployed on our clients’ behalf.

Operating from offices in central London, we’re ideally located to assist clients in London and nationwide to navigate through professional regulatory and disciplinary processes.

Speak to our professional discipline solicitors in London

For expert assistance with professional discipline proceedings, contact Saunders Law today for a free, no obligation initial discussion of how we may be able to help.

Call us on 02076324300 or make an enquiry online.

Why Saunders Law is the smart choice for professional disciplinary representation

Partner Matthew Purcell and experienced senior solicitor, Alistair Parker, are regarded as an experts in this field. For instance, they secured the exoneration of the former Director of Legal Affairs at News International before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal in respect of alleged wrongdoing in the News of the World phone-hacking scandal.

Independently recognised expertise

Our team has been independently recognised for our legal expertise with strong rankings in highly respected client guides the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners.

Exceptional personal service & client satisfaction

We pride ourselves on the high level of personal service. Our clients will always receive a call back the same day following an enquiry and can always speak to one of our partners when required. As a result, we consistently achieve excellent feedback from clients.

Transparent and flexible pricing

We provide clear and open advice regarding the costs involved in facing professional disciplinary proceedings. Various funding options are available to suit different circumstances and we have excellent relationships with litigation funding providers.

How our team can assist with professional regulatory & disciplinary matters

Advice on accusations of professional misconduct & fitness to practice

When an allegation is made of professional misconduct or wrongdoing, the appropriate regulator will carry out checks to see if there has been any breach of its code of conduct and to assess the fitness to practice of the professional in question.

The regulator will contact the professional in writing informing them of the complaint and requesting a response. Legal advice should always be sought at this point.

We can advise on the professional implications of the matters being investigated and what response ought to be made to the regulator. Where appropriate, we will seek to conclude matters as soon as possible, either through detailed responses during investigations or resolving cases by consent.

Should the matter ultimately be referred to a conduct hearing, we will advise on the appropriate defence strategy and provide effective representation for the hearing.
Legal support for professional regulatory or disciplinary investigations

Professionals under investigation by their regulator are required to work with the regulator to facilitate the investigation. The regulator will take witness statements, collect evidence and communicate with the various parties involved.

Our team can assist with the disclosure of information, including preparing written responses and attending any interviews and meetings with representatives of the regulator. We can make sure you comply with your obligations to assist the investigation, while avoiding any risk of undermining your case.

When the regulator has concluded their investigation, they will provide a decision about whether they believe their code of conduct has been breached.

We can advise on how you should respond to the regulator’s conclusions, specifically whether it is likely to be in your best interests to accept their findings or whether you should dispute the regulators decision.

Representation for professional regulatory hearings & tribunals

Where the regulator decides that the matter requires a formal hearing to resolve, we can assist with preparing clients’ cases and provide hearing representation. Our team have very strong litigation experience which we can bring to bear on our clients’ behalf.

Where a client is unhappy with the outcome of a hearing, we will provide realistic guidance on the advisability of pursuing an appeal. Should an appeal seem likely to achieve a better result, we can assist with preparing the appeal and provide representation.

Arrange an initial, no obligation consultation with our professional disciplinary solicitors in London

When dealing with professional disciplinary action, our team has the experience, skills and proactive approach required to secure the best available outcome.

For a free, no-obligation, initial discussion of how we may be able to help, please contact us.

Call us on 020 7632 4300 or make an enquiry online.