“If you are faced with regulatory action by the SRA, then Jonathan Goodwin is the right person to approach. He has extensive knowledge of the rules and regulations and his support and guidance was invaluable during a stressful ordeal. He is extremely efficient and meticulous in his work and capable of producing excellent results which is evident from the outcome reached in the Adjudicator deciding not to impose any conditions on my practicing certificate. I would highly recommend Jonathan to anybody who is facing regulatory action.”
Solicitor.
“Receiving papers from the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal is a distressing time for any solicitor; however, Jon’s calm manner in dealing with their application against me by preparing the necessary paperwork in response and liaising with the SRA’s solicitors on my behalf gave me the reassurance I needed in order to deal with the resulting pressures. Jon is a specialist in his field and I am extremely grateful to him for his advice and support throughout.”
Solicitor
“I have to start by saying that Jon Goodwin as a person and as a professional is simply the very best you will ever have the pleasure of encountering. As a professional he is absolutely incredible: proficient to the core, exceptionally talented, astute beyond belief and so detailed, you will believe that he has lived your case with you. I have never seen such careful consideration of the facts, such attention to detail and such in-depth knowledge of the law that applies to a case, nor have I ever had the pleasure of experiencing someone with such breadth and depth in knowledge and understanding of their speciality. Jon was always on point: there was nothing he missed and he knew every fact and every rule that applied to it. Jon’s written and oral advocacy on my behalf were breathtaking and so powerful that I can only describe him as nothing short of a miracle and worth his weight in gold. At the time I met Jon, I was facing a crippling dishonesty allegation that had come out of the blue after being under investigation already for over 2 years by the SRA and facing a potential strike off. I was terrified, anxiety filled constantly and unable to think or focus on anything. Jon literally saved my life. He managed with his unparalleled experience and knowledge to properly evidence that the dishonesty allegation was unsubstantiated and had it dropped. He then managed to have my case settled by way of an Agreed Outcome which he tirelessly negotiated on my behalf to get the best outcome possible, even when I thought it would be impossible to do so. Jon was not only exceptional as an advocate and solicitor but he was kind, caring and understanding. He actually treated me like a human being and I never felt like he marginalised any of my concerns. He was always available, always happy to explain things thoroughly and always there to ease the burden. I would recommend to anyone facing a regulatory issue to go straight to Jon and don’t bother looking anywhere else: there is no one better, stronger or smarter to succeed on your behalf than him. Thank you Jon – I will forever be grateful for your amazing hand in giving me back my life.”
Solicitor
“I was recommended to Jonathan by a former SRA forensic investigator who had worked with him in dealing with investigations and prosecutions on behalf of the SRA.
Jonathan now only acts for individuals and firms under investigation by the SRA.
When I spoke to Jonathan to outline the difficulty that we had, I was immediately impressed by his knowledge and background.
The SRA were seeking from as an explanation of conduct in a particular matter. We had prepared our own response to the points raised, but it was evident from Jonathan’s draft response once we had instructed him just how important it was to rely on his experience.
His intimate working knowledge of the SRA and it’s overarching principles and ethos meant he could quote case law and rules and regulations in a way that we had no experience of, and his vastly improved and extended response led to the SRA immediately confirming they would be taking no further action.
I would not hesitate to unreservedly recommend Jonathan to anyone having difficulties with the SRA.”
Solicitor.
“I never give reviews, but occasionally in life something or someone is so brilliant that a review is warranted and this is one such occasion.
Anyone reading this is no doubt facing a disciplinary action by the SRA or other professional body. I was facing a charge of dishonesty amongst other allegations and the stress over the two and a half years was immeasurable, it subsumed my life. Another solicitor recommended Jon and I engaged his services. It was the best thing I ever did. From the very first ‘phone call I knew that I had made the right decision. Jon was calm and measured. His knowledge of regulatory law is frankly outstanding. When dealing with my case I felt that I was his only client. He was honest, personable, down to earth and always on hand to guide me through the process, so I never felt alone.
My matter was referred to the SDT for a 3 day hearing and at that stage I just wanted to give up, but Jon’s wise counsel stopped me from doing so and I am so glad I followed his advice.
Jon’s advocacy is awesome. He completely demolished the SRA investigator under cross examination. I have honestly never seen anything like it. At that point I was so glad he was acting for me and not the SRA! The investigator even apologised to me twice during his evidence.
The SRA’s allegations were not proved and I walked away with my life back. I cannot recommend Jon highly enough. So if you are reading this and you are facing such actions then please do not hesitate and engage Jon, you will not regret it.”
Solicitor
“Dear Jon,
I would like to start by saying again how very grateful I am for you and your incredible work. Your diligence, depth of knowledge, exceptional expertise, years of experience and the quality of your drafting and negotiating skills are in my view (and my experience) nothing short of phenomenal.
Thank you so very much for being so dedicated, for taking so much time and attention to understand my position, the details of the case, what I want to achieve and for giving me so much time to explain things thoroughly. I truly say this: you are an absolute credit and role model for how solicitors should be with their clients and cases.
I can only say that I am absolutely overjoyed and will be forever grateful.”
Solicitor.
“Jon Goodwin recently represented me before the SDT when allegations against me were dismissed following his submission that there was no case to answer.He conducted himself with aplomb, is clear thinking, industrious and has a profound knowledge of the relevant law in which he practises.I would have no hesitation in recommending his services to any professional who has the misfortune to have to appear before a disciplinary tribunal”
Solicitor.
“It is very scary to receive a letter from the SRA, and it is hard to know where to turn. I made phone calls to a number of solicitors to represent me in this matter – some took several days to return my call, but Jon Goodwin called me back himself personally on the same day. His PA followed this up promptly and Jon gave me advice and reassurance very soon afterwards. This prompt service meant a lot to me at a very difficult time. I was delighted and extremely relieved that with Jon’s assistance the outcome was that the SRA decided to take no further action against me. I would certainly recommend Jon and his team to other solicitors facing SRA investigations.”
Solicitor.
“The first lawyer I spoke to, a specialist in SRA investigations, informed me that I was ‘almost certainly going to be struck off’. I had started to look for alternative careers. Fortunately, someone recommended me to Jon, and he demonstrated incredible know-how of the law and practice, but moreover was passionate and approachable. I was looking at a contested trial with all the associated costs and stress but Jon managed to clear my name via detailed written representations. I would not hesitate to recommend him.”
Solicitor.
“We have engaged Jonathan’s services on two occasions, the first in April 2018 when we were served notice of investigation by the SRA.
This had not been anticipated and after more than 30 years practice as a solicitor was somewhat of a shock to be the subject of an investigation.
We quickly realised that we would need expert legal advice and assistance and Jonathan was found upon recommendation. He gave very good early advice prior to my having to attend a meeting with two SRA investigators which was then followed by a file inspection.
There then following a period of constant pressure from the emailing of questions from the SRA which resulted in our having to devote a large amount of management time and caused great stress to the partners of the business. Jonathan was of great assistance in this time and prepared an extensive letter of response to the SRA which showed his experience and expertise in the area of SRA investigations and brought the investigation to an end.
After 9 months (!), we were then served with the investigation report and an Explanation of Conduct Letter in March 2019 and immediately engaged Jonathan’s services again. He prepared a great letter of response which was sent to SRA on 26th April and the following day(!), the SRA sent a letter confirming it was closing the file. This might very well be a record win!!
This was such a great result for Jonathan (and for this firm) and lifted the great pressure we were under of the SRA possibly taking the matter to Tribunal.
I cannot speak too highly for Jonathan’s ability and his empathy for the situation we encountered. He also has great insight into the SRA’s methods and thinking (having acted for them in an enforcement role for many years) which gives him an added “edge” over other Solicitor Advocates.”
Partner, Law Firm
“I can only say a thousand times thank you, thank you, thank you Jon. Jonathan Goodwin is nothing short of incredible and in my view a life saver. In a time of deep distress worry and anxiety, facing false allegations of dishonesty, Jon Goodwin was calm, measured and most importantly responsive. Nothing was too small and too trivial to talk through and explain which gave me great comfort.
Thanks to Jon Goodwin’s incredible work and his exceptional knowledge of the SRA, the rules and the law, I was informed they would not be proceeding with dishonesty allegations that were absolutely awful. Jon Goodwin’s response to the allegations and his knowledge was so amazing and so powerful that it literally stopped them from going further on that matter. I am so grateful to have found Jon and I would say to anyone who is worryingly dealing with the stress of an SRA investigation to go to Jon Goodwin; if you want the best fighting chance of success, Jon Goodwin is the person to have in your corner.”
Solicitor.
“If you are faced with an sra investigation as I was it is a harrowing experience and lengthy process. You certainly need an expert to navigate on your behalf and advise. I found Jon Goodwin extremely professional, available when needed and sound in his advice and would happily recommend him. I was more than happy with the sra decision.”
Solicitor.
“Thank you for your support and patience throughout this very trying time following the SRA’s investigation.Your experience of SRA investigations was invaluable in negotiating a Regulatory Settlement Agreement and it is a great relief to put the whole process behind me .”
Solicitor
“When I had my difficulty with the SRA, Jonathan was fantastic with his approach, and whilst it was a very stressful time, he did his best to put my mind at rest and approached the situation sensibly with a plan of action that ultimately worked really well. He managed to set out the facts in such a methodical manner and coupled with his references to various judgements and commentaries, he convinced the SRA to make a u turn on their proposed restrictions over my certificate. It is such a relief to now have my full (and clear) practicing certificate again!”
Solicitor.
“Dear Jon,
I am writing to thank you for all of the outstanding work you have done for me since last August. Everything from the supportive initial telephone conversation, through to the superb analysis of the issues and exceptional written submissions to SRA, your guidance has been invaluable. If anyone ever wonders “Do I really need a lawyer to help me deal with the SRA, as I’m a lawyer myself?” the answer is a resounding “Yes, you do.” And with even more conviction I would say “You need Jon Goodwin.”
I tend to be sceptical of praise which seems contrived and over the top, whether it be of restaurants, hotels or other services. However I can assure you that the praise set out above is anything other than contrived or over the top. You have without doubt saved my legal career, and the words to thank you cannot be fulsome enough.”
Solicitor.
“ I have recently been the subject of investigation by the SRA. At a time when my emotions were high and my thought process sometimes illogical, Jonathan allayed by fears. He spoke to me in layman’s terms and in a manner that I could understand and digest. He didn’t pontificate or give me false hope. He was honest and to the point which I appreciated very much. He achieved the result that I craved and I will be eternally grateful. My integrity has been reinstated and my faith restored. I could not have done this without him and I thank him very much, so if you find that you are in a similar situation and you don’t know which way or who to turn to, I would suggest that you speak with Jonathan who will undoubtedly be able to make your situation better than it currently is”
Conveyancer.
“Dear Jonathan
I am writing to say how pleased I am with the outcome of my case.
As the saying goes, ‘a lawyer who acts for himself has a fool for a client.’
The SRA brought serious charges against me and you took a lot of the worry from my shoulders at a difficult time. My case was resolved without a formal hearing. There is no way in which I could have achieved this result myself, and it is entirely due to your advice and expertise at all stages of my case that a huge weight has been lifted from me.
I am glad that I instructed you at an early stage, and thank you for the care and consideration you have given.
Sincerest thanks”
Solicitor
“A week after receiving the final decision of my case in a RICS disciplinary matter and the release of the anxiety of the last 18 months is starting to sink in.
Instructing Jon to act for me has preserved my career and was the best decision I could have possibly made.
From the off, Jon never failed to manage my expectations fairly and accurately. I appreciated his candid and frank manner as well as his expert ability to demystify every complex correspondence quickly and with the utmost professionalism. He identified the key issues with ease and his command of the process and ability to navigate me through it was an invaluable support. He did all of this with an approachability and a refreshing humanity.
In the final stages, his compelling summary of the key facts to the Panel, expertly and professionally prepared and delivered with clinical accuracy, secured me the very best possible outcome and my family and I will forever be grateful to him personally for this.
I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Jon to others – I simply couldn’t have afforded not to have him on my side.”
Surveyor
‘Jon recently acted for me in a regulatory matter. I could waffle on for pages regarding how impressed I was with Jon but in the interests of concision I will attempt to condense it into three points:
(i) In a time of undoubted panic, he is a calming influence which in my view is invaluable. His approach is well-informed but, importantly, sympathetic;
(ii) he is able to grasp the relevant issues with frightening efficiency. The matter he dealt with for me was peculiar to the area in which I practise but he was able to drill down to the nub of the issue with such efficacy that one could be forgiven for concluding that he was a seasoned practitioner in that area;
(iii) his drafting skills are exemplary. In my case, he prepared a persuasive and thoroughly well-drafted document which resulted in a no further action outcome.
I would unhesitatingly advise anybody who is in the unenviable position of facing regulatory action to utilise Jon’s services’.
Solicitor
“I am currently practicing as a solicitor running a small law firm. I was subject to a SRA Investigation which commenced over a year ago. My entire life was turned upside down. Every aspect of my life and practising career came into question. This has by far being the most difficult time in my life. Having Jon in my corner guiding me and dealing with my case was one of the best investments I have ever made.
I contacted Jon following recommendations by three other solicitors who had come across him. Two of whom he had prosecuted in the SDT on behalf of the SRA. It is a testament to his skills and expertise if solicitors he has prosecuted can in the future recommend him to others.
Jon is knowledgeable in regulatory matters. He has a wealth of experience of prosecuting solicitors and defending solicitors. This experience gives Jon confidence which I am sure will be reflected in his advocacy.
Jon not only gives good, sound legal advice but his advice is also practical. Jon appreciates the effect the Investigation and consequences of the SRA involvement are likely to have on the individual solicitor’s daily practice and the effect on the solicitor’s personal life and family. He acts with integrity, professionalism in all his dealings. I am grateful to Jon and his team for the support provided, I doubt I would have received the same outcome if I did not have Jon in my corner.
Jon is supported by two extremely good members of staff as back up. His office is efficient and well managed. Jon has good systems in place to ensure his work is always performed to an excellent standard and in a timely manner. Jon prepares well which is apparent when was able to recite facts in my case which even I had forgotten about. I would recommend Jon to anyone in need of assistance.”
Solicitor