andrewpaton@anpatmedia.com, Author at Jonathan Goodwin

“Serious Procedural Irregularity” Leads High Court To Overturn Finding of Fundamental Dishonesty

In the recent case of Jenkinson v Robertson [2022] EWHC 791 (QB) on 31st March 2022, the High Court concluded an appeal by Claimant, Mr Andrew Jenkinson, that he had been “fundamentally dishonest” when claiming … Read More

Law Firm Owner Sanctioned For Telling Client He Could Not Complain To The SRA

In March 2022, we wrote about how former solicitor Elizabeth Nedin deliberately concealed a complaint made by one of her clients and was struck off the Roll of Solicitors as a result. In this article, … Read More

Solicitor Struck Off for Concealing Client’s Complaint

In February 2022, the SDT decided on a matter involving former solicitor, Elizabeth Nedin, who concealed a complaint made by one of her clients. The case should act as a reminder for law firms of … Read More

New SRA Workplace Environment Guidance

In recent years, there have been numerous cases and reports of law practitioners in the UK who have experienced toxic workplaces, bullying, harassment, intimidation, and pressure to work excessive hours. Back in 2020, Tiernan Brady, … Read More

Will the SRA Increase Its Internal Fining Powers ‘Twelvefold’?

In November 2021, the SRA announced proposals to significantly hike its fining powers in addition to a new ‘fast-track’ system for fixed penalties for lesser breaches of its rules. This is not the first time … Read More

Top Law Firm Receives Record Fine Following Breach of Money Laundering Rules

For many years now, we have been writing about how some UK law firms have struggled to stamp out money laundering and the ever-increasing pressure being imposed by the SRA on law professionals to do … Read More

What To Expect Of The UK Legal Market In 2022

While it is never possible to predict with 100% accuracy what will happen to the UK’s legal market in the coming year, by projecting ahead as much as possible, you can ensure your legal practice … Read More

Land Registry’s First Digital Only Service

As we come to the end of 2021 and look forward to 2022, there is no doubt that the UK’s legal industry is on the edge of a digital transformation, and this appears to be … Read More

Is The Human Rights Act About To Be Overhauled?

At the recent Conservative Party Conference in Manchester, Justice Secretary Dominic Raab left little doubt that he has the Human Rights Act 1998 in his sights for reform; he told the conference, “It is absolutely … Read More

What Are Unbundled Services And Why Is The SRA Pushing For Them?

In its ongoing strive to modernise the legal sector, the SRA has recently undergone a fresh drive to encourage law firms to offer ‘unbundled services’ with the Regulator unveiling plans for a pilot scheme to … Read More

What Happens When The SRA Investigate Your Firm?

So what should you do if the SRA starts an investigation against you or your firm? If you understand the investigatory process and have well organised files and detailed client and firm accounts, then with … Read More

What to Expect During SDT Proceedings

For any legal professional facing disciplinary proceedings by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT), it is important to understand the process and rules they follow. In 2019, to make the SDT rules and procedures clearer, especially … Read More

What Clients Say

“I am very delighted to note that the tribunal has dismissed the complaint and has no adverse findings to me. With great pleasure, I write to express my gratitude for your support and thoughtful help.

As a native Chinese in Hong Kong, it was such a strange and tough experience to handle a complaint raised in the UK. The investigation has taken over two years to complete. My English is not very good and I do not have any connections in the UK. Once I noted the complaint would be put to public hearing by the Disciplinary Committee, I found I should seek legal advice and assistance, although it should be a bit late.

Fortunately, I happened to find you, Jon, because you are a specialist in handling disciplinary cases in the UK. I trust that your experience, attentiveness and professionalism could help defend the complaint and ensure the hearing is conducted fairly.

Indeed, with your skillful and professional assistance, I could keep my hard-earn professional membership and have the complaint dismissed. Throughout the hearing, I found that you are really an eloquent advocate and your suggestions of case laws, examples and illustrations in defending or supporting your reasons are amazingly abundant. I felt you had been well-prepared.

Once again, thank you very much, Jon. Well done!”

Accountant

"I am very delighted to note that the tribunal has dismissed the complaint and has no adverse findings to me. With great pleasure, I write to express my gratitude for your support and thoughtful help. As a native Chinese in Hong Kong, it was such a strange and tough experience to handle a complaint raised in the UK. The investigation has taken over two years to complete. My English is not very good and I do not have any connections in the UK. Once I noted the complaint would be put to public hearing by the Disciplinary Committee, I found I should seek legal advice and assistance, although it should be a bit late. Fortunately, I happened to find you, Jon, because you are a specialist in handling disciplinary cases in the UK. I trust that your experience, attentiveness and professionalism could help defend the complaint and ensure the hearing is conducted fairly. Indeed, with your skillful and professional assistance, I could keep my hard-earn professional membership and have the complaint dismissed. Throughout the hearing, I found that you are really an eloquent advocate and your suggestions of case laws, examples and illustrations in defending or supporting your reasons are amazingly abundant. I felt you had been well-prepared. Once again, thank you very much, Jon. Well done!" Accountant

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