Blog - Page 7 of 10 - Jonathan Goodwin

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

How Solicitors Can Survive An SRA Investigation

Few things cause a solicitor or Manager of a law firm more stress and anxiety than news that the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is conducting an investigation into their practice. If you have an understanding … Read More

Defending Disciplinary Action By the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC)

The role of the conveyancer is often underestimated. While under pressure from all sides to bring transactions to a successful conclusion, conveyancers must ensure that key issues are not mishandled or ignored, as doing so … Read More

Interpreting the New SDT Rules Introduced on 25th November 2019

On 25th November 2019, the new Solicitors (Disciplinary Proceedings) Rules 2019 (SDPR 2019) came into force. From the outset, it is important to note that for any matters certified as demonstrating a case to answer … Read More

Defending Professional Disciplinary Proceedings before the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

Standards matter; of this there is little dispute, but when it comes to the development and management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure, standards are vital to safety, economic sustainability, and health. As a … Read More

Defending Professional Disciplinary Proceedings before the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales

As of 2019, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW) has over 181,000 members , including students, across 148 countries. And this number is climbing at a higher rate than ever, with … Read More

Defending against action by the Architects Registration Board (ARB)

In the UK, the Architects Act 1997 (AA 1997) provides for the regulation of the architects’ profession, with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) being responsible for its oversight. The ARB exists to: manage the UK … Read More

Changes to SRA Rules and Accounts Rules

As part of their recent Looking to the Future programme, the SRA took the bold decision to significantly simplify and reduce the prescriptiveness of its Account Rules. The result of this effort is the replacement … Read More

How To Avoid And Challenge An SRA Intervention

An SRA intervention is the SRA’s nuclear weapon. If your firm is currently being investigated and you fear an intervention may be possible, you must take the situation seriously. An SRA intervention can destroy not … Read More

Solicitors Need To Take Care With NDAs

Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) have suddenly become controversial. The use of NDAs in the context of protecting sensitive commercial information and trade secrets continues to pose no immediate problem. However, solicitors instructed to produce a document … Read More

“I had the privilege of working with Jonathan at the lowest point of my legal career. Being referred to the SDT on allegations of dishonesty was an incredibly distressing experience. However, Jonathan provided me with excellent advice and guidance that not only dissolved my anxiety but also eventually resulted in the referral decision being cancelled.

From the outset, Jonathan demonstrated great levels of professionalism, expertise, and comprehension. He listened to every detail of my case, carefully analysing the claims and the evidence that the SRA had generated. Dismantling complicated legal problems into elementary, comprehensible parts was a necessary strength that allowed me to grasp the procedure and the methodology we would be employing.

It was the precision with which he presented the representations to the SRA that singled out Jonathan. Every point was supported by robust evidence, relevant case law, and a deep understanding of the regulatory mechanism behind it. His points were not only forceful but presented so clearly that there was no room for misinterpretation.

Along the way, Jonathan was always available, patient, and willing to answer my questions, no matter how small. His approach was comforting and trustworthy, which were invaluable factors when everything was so hectic. I knew that my case was being taken care of, understanding that the individual dealing with it cared most about providing the best for me.

Thanks to Jonathan’s hard work, the decision to refer was reversed. I cannot speak highly enough of Jonathan to anyone who is experiencing regulatory problems or in need of the best possible legal counsel. His unparalleled experience, professionalism, and sensitivity render him a paragon of the legal profession.”

Solicitor

"I had the privilege of working with Jonathan at the lowest point of my legal career. Being referred to the SDT on allegations of dishonesty was an incredibly distressing experience. However, Jonathan provided me with excellent advice and guidance that not only dissolved my anxiety but also eventually resulted in the referral decision being cancelled. From the outset, Jonathan demonstrated great levels of professionalism, expertise, and comprehension. He listened to every detail of my case, carefully analysing the claims and the evidence that the SRA had generated. Dismantling complicated legal problems into elementary, comprehensible parts was a necessary strength that allowed me to grasp the procedure and the methodology we would be employing. It was the precision with which he presented the representations to the SRA that singled out Jonathan. Every point was supported by robust evidence, relevant case law, and a deep understanding of the regulatory mechanism behind it. His points were not only forceful but presented so clearly that there was no room for misinterpretation. Along the way, Jonathan was always available, patient, and willing to answer my questions, no matter how small. His approach was comforting and trustworthy, which were invaluable factors when everything was so hectic. I knew that my case was being taken care of, understanding that the individual dealing with it cared most about providing the best for me. Thanks to Jonathan's hard work, the decision to refer was reversed. I cannot speak highly enough of Jonathan to anyone who is experiencing regulatory problems or in need of the best possible legal counsel. His unparalleled experience, professionalism, and sensitivity render him a paragon of the legal profession." Solicitor

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

Why Should I Consider An SRA Agreed Outcome

Sexual Misconduct At Record Levels Within The Law Profession

A 60 Second Guide To Regulatory Settlement Agreements

How Solicitors Can Survive An SRA Investigation

Defending Disciplinary Action By the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC)

Interpreting the New SDT Rules Introduced on 25th November 2019

Defending Professional Disciplinary Proceedings before the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

Defending Professional Disciplinary Proceedings before the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales

Defending against action by the Architects Registration Board (ARB)

Changes to SRA Rules and Accounts Rules

How To Avoid And Challenge An SRA Intervention

Solicitors Need To Take Care With NDAs

The Law Society v The SRA

New Decision Throws Doubt On Solicitors’ Ability To Rectify Own Mistake

Is Blockchain The Answer To Law Firm Cyber Security?

Are You Fulfilling Your File Storage Obligations?

Mind Your Language – Solicitors And Social Media

What are the Character and Suitability Requirements for Aspiring Solicitors?

Overhauling the UK Money Laundering SARs Regime