Jon Goodwin, Author at Jonathan Goodwin

Lawyers, Ethics, and Social Media

Without moving too far into the controversial political sphere, it is safe to say that the current UK Government’s commitment to the Rule of Law is slightly lacking. From the move to prorogue Parliament in … Read More

Correctly Supervising Solicitors Working From Home

Despite the Government’s plea for office workers to return to work provided it is safe to do so, many city workers and their employers have discovered the benefits of working from home. The past five … Read More

Legal Services Consumer Panel Suggests Spot Checks On Lawyers

The Legal Services Consumer Panel is concerned that clients have limited means of knowing whether a solicitor is competent and has ensured his or her skills have been updated throughout what can be a long … Read More

SRA Issues New Warning Notice in relation to Advising On Investment Schemes

On 17 August 2020, the SRA issued a warning notice stating that solicitors need to be vigilant when it comes to providing advice on investment schemes. The notice is an update on a pre-existing notice, … Read More

Latest Claims Of Sexual Misconduct In Law Firms

On 12 June 2020, Baker McKenzie’s former London senior partner was fined £55,000 for serious professional misconduct. The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) found that Gary Senior attempted to embrace and kiss a junior colleague in … Read More

Paralegals Face A Recent Flurry of Disciplinary Action

Under the SRA Standards and Regulations, within the Code of Conduct for Solicitors, RELs and RFLs, all staff employed within a law firm are subject to those conduct rules. Paralegals can find themselves answering accusations … Read More

Keeping Your Law Firm Staff Safe

On 1 June 2020, the British Government’s lockdown, imposed since mid-March in response to the Coronavirus pandemic, began to ease. In England, groups of up to six people can now meet up, as long as … Read More

Landmark Decision On Dishonesty Test

On 29 April 2020, the Court of Appeal, in R v Barton & Booth [2020] EWCA Crim 575 provided an important decision on the test for dishonesty in a criminal context. For solicitors facing an … Read More

Supporting Your Team’s Mental Health During Lockdown

It is fair to say that during periods of uncertainty and crisis, some people appear to cope without difficultly, while others struggle. The word ‘appear’ is relevant here. Some people are highly adept at looking … Read More

Ethical Business Practice During Lockdown

The present period of lockdown is testing both individuals and law firms in new and unexpected ways. Many parents are having to juggle supporting their children with home-schooling while simultaneously working from home; no mean … Read More

How Your Law Firm Can Weather the Coronavirus Pandemic

There is no doubt, we live in uncertain times. With Coronavirus infecting business sentiment, not just people, law firms across the UK will be reviewing their position and putting in place measures to protect their … Read More

What do the SDT’s Strategic & Operational Plans 2020–2023 Tell Us About Future Legal Regulation?

The SDT recently published two separate documents, one outlining their Strategic Plan for 2020 – 2023, and another their Operational Plan for 2020 – 2023. In the words of Edward Nally, President of the SDT … Read More

Why Should I Consider An SRA Agreed Outcome

In November 2019, it was reported by the Law Gazette that the number of ‘sitting days’ for the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) this year is projected to be “vastly” down (26%) on last year. This … Read More

Sexual Misconduct At Record Levels Within The Law Profession

January was not a positive month for the UK legal sector press coverage. Firstly, following a Freedom of Information response by the SRA, and as reported in The Guardian, it has been revealed that reports … Read More

A 60 Second Guide To Regulatory Settlement Agreements

Fortunately, not all Solicitors Regulation Authority investigations result in formal prosecution and an appearance in the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT). Depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to negotiate a Regulatory Settlement Agreement with … Read More

“My journey started some 2 and half years ago with a necessary reporting to the SRA. It is a position I hope to never be in again and could not have gotten through this situation without the support and legal knowledge of Jon Goodwin. From the start I knew I was out of my depth and fortunately found Jon to help me through the process of dealing with the SRA which escalated to a subsequent SDT Hearing.

No promises where ever made regarding the outcome but what I did experience was support, understanding and guidance throughout the entire process. This alone was a very challenging period of time often leaving me deflated and struggling to keep going but Jon continued to bring me back through his skilful legal knowledge and Representations made on my behalf.

During the two day Hearing, Jon’s advocacy skills matched his advice leading up to this point. He remained very focused clearly hearing every word, stepping in to correct the SRA’s submissions where required and to utilise the evidence heard when making his final submissions. His use of the detailed and complex caselaw supporting my position was eloquently presented to ensure the correct tests were heard to meet my case. Nothing was missed. His knowledge of the Law in this field is exceptional. He is methodical and focused in his craft and I cannot thank Jon enough for all his help. He was always available for me and never made me feel that I was troubling him. He is always a pleasure to deal with and understands the difficulties faced by his clients.

In my view and personal experience he is the man to seek advice from should you unfortunately find yourself in need for regulatory advice. I cannot thank him enough.”

Solicitor

"My journey started some 2 and half years ago with a necessary reporting to the SRA. It is a position I hope to never be in again and could not have gotten through this situation without the support and legal knowledge of Jon Goodwin. From the start I knew I was out of my depth and fortunately found Jon to help me through the process of dealing with the SRA which escalated to a subsequent SDT Hearing. No promises where ever made regarding the outcome but what I did experience was support, understanding and guidance throughout the entire process. This alone was a very challenging period of time often leaving me deflated and struggling to keep going but Jon continued to bring me back through his skilful legal knowledge and Representations made on my behalf. During the two day Hearing, Jon’s advocacy skills matched his advice leading up to this point. He remained very focused clearly hearing every word, stepping in to correct the SRA’s submissions where required and to utilise the evidence heard when making his final submissions. His use of the detailed and complex caselaw supporting my position was eloquently presented to ensure the correct tests were heard to meet my case. Nothing was missed. His knowledge of the Law in this field is exceptional. He is methodical and focused in his craft and I cannot thank Jon enough for all his help. He was always available for me and never made me feel that I was troubling him. He is always a pleasure to deal with and understands the difficulties faced by his clients. In my view and personal experience he is the man to seek advice from should you unfortunately find yourself in need for regulatory advice. I cannot thank him enough." Solicitor

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