“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
“Dear Jonathan,
I am writing this immediately after my trial at the SDT. You have saved my career. I am in tears – I could have lost everything, but you have saved my career today as a Solicitor and I have my life back. I just cannot thank you enough.
All I can say – it was the best decision I ever made instructing you eighteen months ago and I am so very glad I did.
Any solicitor going through an SRA investigation and if they face going to the SDT would be completely misguided in not seeking representation.
You discovered flaws in their case and many inaccuracies. You were able to challenge the SRA on these points because of your vast amount of knowledge. Had I not instructed you the incorrect law would have been applied to my matter and the outcome would have been detrimental to me.
If anyone wants to give themselves any chance then they should get representation as soon as they can. I cannot emphasise this enough.
No solicitor wants to be before the SDT, but you fought for me all the way to the end, you knew my case inside out.
Your knowledge, intelligence and professional skill in dealing with such sensitive matters, which carry with them the most serious and potentially life-altering consequences is truly remarkable.
I witnessed first hand your in depth knowledge of regulatory law and case law that you cited which would prove relevant. Most importantly your advocacy. I have never witnessed anything like it but your cross examination, your submissions and the challenges you put to the SRA over this two day hearing I can only describe as phenomenal.
I have been through the darkest and most traumatic 18 months of my life and I can honestly say that your professional support and guidance throughout has been nothing short of outstanding.
You were clear from the outset in terms of managing expectations, timescales, negotiations that never came to fruition and at all times gave me straight and frank advice, in such a way that offered me much needed reassurance at the very lowest of points.
Your tremendous efforts have ensured that the correct law was applied and I received a just and fair outcome. And for that, me and my family are truly and eternally grateful.
Thank you Jonathan”
Solicitor
“I instructed Jonathan when faced with an investigation, and one which included an allegation of dishonesty. This could have had incredibly serious professional consequences. The dishonesty allegation in particular was a cause of considerable upset and distress, on both a professional and personal level.
Jonathan was, from the outset, a reassuring presence; calm, professional, and the voice of reason. His management of expectations was excellent.
After many months’ anxiousness, Jonathan responded in the matter on my behalf. I very soon thereafter received a phone call from Jonathan to let me know the matter was closed, and with no further action being taken.
I have no doubt whatsoever that Jonathan’s skilled correspondence, which conveyed my response with clarity, persuasiveness, and to the point, was the key to resolving this issue.
The reality of closure has, perhaps, not yet quite sunk in. I am though sure that instructing Jonathan was the best decision I could have made.”
Solicitor
“Dear Jon,
As you are no doubt aware, the SRA has notified us that they will not be proceeding with the complaint made against me. They have now closed the file. I want to thank you for the professional manner with which you have represented me in this matter. There is no doubt that your expertise shone right through the entire matter which no doubt resulted in the current outcome.”
Solicitor
‘If you’ve got a problem with the SRA, Jonathan is the person you need on your side. He helps keep you calm, focussed and he deals with the scenario in an efficient and professional manner. He has years of experience with matters involving the SRA and I would highly recommend him to represent you in putting your side of the story to them and help fight your corner at a time when that is just what you need.’
Solicitor.
“A massive thank you for all your help and guidance through one of the most stressful times of my life!
I am so glad that we contacted you from the very outset and followed your advice, especially when we had never been involved with the SRA before.
You empathised and listened to us and was honest and frank at the same time. I was so impressed with the way you responded to the SRA.
You remained professional and friendly throughout.
Thank you thank you thank you!!”
Solicitor