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SRA Interventions Solicitors

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has extensive powers to intervene and close a solicitor’s practice at once following an intervention.

The effects of an SRA intervention can be, of course, incredibly damaging. It is therefore critical that you understand exactly how to navigate the prospect of being placed under an intervention and how to effectively prepare for that eventuality if you are already facing an investigation by the SRA.

At Saunders Law, our Regulatory and Crime Team have substantial experience in this area, having previously worked with a diverse range of clients who have been facing an SRA intervention. With the support of our team, you can be sure that you will be able to access the best possible result for your case, no matter what that may be.

Our SRA intervention solicitors can support with various issues, including:

  • Preparing for a potential SRA intervention
  • Replying to an SRA intervention notice
  • Challenging SRA interventions

Operating from offices in the City of London, our Regulatory and Crime Team also have experience in handling various associated matters, including SRA investigations and Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) representation.

Find out more about the firm, its teams and its typical work by taking a look at our clients.

Speak to our SRA intervention solicitors in London

For expert assistance with SRA interventions, or any associated matter, contact Saunders Law today for a free, no obligation initial discussion of how we may be able to help.

Call us on 0207 632 4300 or make an enquiry online.

Why work with our SRA intervention solicitors?

Extensive experience

Among our team, we have handled many cases involving SRA interventions. This means that we are perfectly positioned to provide immediate support if you are subject to an intervention and are not sure what this will mean in both the short and long-term.

Our partner-led team includes James Saunders (a member of the Solicitors Assistance Scheme) and  Ali Parker are regarded as experts in this field, with a catalogue of successful cases under their belts.

Commercially minded approach to match our client’s priorities

Regardless of the individual circumstances of the case, and why the SRA may see fit to commence intervention proceedings, our expert team can provide immediate support. We will take always take an objective assessment of the situation, taking a detailed look at why the SRA is taking action, what actions can be taken to prevent an intervention from taking place, and whether there are any options for challenging the situation.

Exceptional personal service & client satisfaction

Our team take pride in our ability to provide a highly personalised service to all of our clients. When you need to speak to a member of the team, you will always receive a call back on the same day, and you will be in a position to speak to one of our partners as and when required.

This means we are able to consistently achieve positive feedback from all of our clients.

Transparent and flexible pricing

We always offer straightforward and transparent advice regarding the costs involved in defending against SRA interventions. In every case, various funding options will be available to suit a range of circumstances, and we also have strong relationships with other relevant third parties, including litigation funding providers.

How we can support with SRA interventions

Preparing for a potential SRA intervention

While in some rare cases the SRA may intervene without notice, there are usually some clear signs that the SRA is planning to step in. If a solicitor’s firm is currently undergoing an SRA investigation, or the SRA is making various requests related to company information, this could provide enough warning.

Where you have any concerns that an SRA intervention is on the horizon, it is imperative that you seek out early advice from our solicitors. Signs that an intervention could be coming up are often visible two months or so before action is taken, which can provide a valuable opportunity to identify and evaluate the risks of an intervention occurring.

When instructed, our solicitors will review your case in depth and provide bespoke advice that centres around the potential for an intervention to take place. Whether you are currently subject to an SRA investigation, or you simply have reason to believe that an intervention is around the corner, we can step in to help address any identifiable issues.

We can take a proactive approach to address any underlying issues which have been identified, working to satisfy the SRA that any intervention is not required. Depending on what is the right approach, we can also advise you on your alternative options if intervention is unavoidable.

Replying to recommendations of an SRA intervention

If you are served a case report which recommends an SRA intervention, it is imperative that you seek out advice as soon as possible. It is unlikely that the SRA will grant any extensions of time for replying to the report.

In some cases, an effective reply to an intervention notice can be the most efficient method for preventing it from taking place.

When handling replies to SRA case reports which recommend intervention, our team will consider a wide range of options which deal with the manner in the most effective way possible. This could range from arguing the merits of the case, undertakings which are designed to change the firm’s practice, or even offers of voluntary closure where appropriate.

Challenging SRA interventions

If you are issued with an SRA intervention, this situation may initially appear to be overwhelming. There is a commonly held belief that, once an SRA intervention occurs, challenging it is unlikely to be successful. This is not necessarily the case, but such a challenge requires lodging a High Court claim within 8 days of receiving the notice of intervention. We can work to appeal an SRA intervention in this way, helping our client build an effective case as efficiently as possible.

Frequently asked questions about SRA interventions

What is an SRA intervention?

In an SRA intervention, the SRA will close down a solicitor’s practice with immediate effect. Once closed, the firm can no longer act on behalf of its clients.

Why would the SRA intervene?

The SRA will intervene in a firm if there are both grounds to intervene and an intervention is necessary to protect the public.

The exact grounds for SRA intervention that can be used feature in various statutes and will depend on the type of practice and individual concerned. The following applies to different types of practices:

Can the SRA intervene without notice?

Yes. While it is not necessarily the most common approach, the SRA can intervene into a practice without providing the solicitor with any notice.

This will happen where an adjudication panel is satisfied that it is in the public interest to intervene without notice.

What is an SRA intervention agent?

During intervention proceedings, SRA intervention agents will often be appointed to help collect files, documents and papers related to the clients of the closed firm, remove accounting records and freeze accounts.

Only firms that sit on the SRA intervention panel are able to act as SRA intervention agents. Firms that are on the SRA intervention panel do not take over or continue the practice of the intervened firm or take over their client’s legal matters.

SRA intervention agents also do not take over any responsibility for trading debts of an intervened firm.

Speak to our SRA intervention solicitors in London

For expert assistance with SRA interventions, or any associated matter, contact our Regulatory and Crime Team at Saunders Law today for a free, no obligation initial discussion of how we may be able to help.

Call us on 0207 632 4300 or make an enquiry online.

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