Specialist support to solicitors facing SRA investigation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Paladins Organisation offers specialist support to solicitors facing SRA investigation

London, 24 February 2026 – The Paladins Organisation (www.the-paladins.com) today announces the expansion of its professional discipline and regulatory support service for solicitors who have been referred to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The service is designed to assist practitioners from the earliest stage of a complaint or referral, through investigation and any subsequent enforcement action, with clear, strategic advice and robust representation.

Being referred to the SRA can be professionally and personally disruptive. It may arise from a client complaint, a report from another solicitor, concerns raised by a judge or even a routine thematic review. The consequences can include conditions on practice, rebukes, fines, suspension or referral to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. The Paladins Organisation helps solicitors navigate the process with a focus on protecting their practising position, reputation and long-term career prospects.

Services for solicitors referred to the SRA

The Paladins Organisation can provide services, advice and representation including:

• Immediate triage and case assessment, including risk analysis and a proposed strategy for engagement with the SRA

  
  

• Guidance on preserving and organising documents, emails, attendance notes, time records and relevant digital material

  
  

• Drafting and settling written responses to SRA enquiries, including formal explanations, representations and submissions on facts, law, proportionality and mitigation

  
  

• Advising on reporting obligations, cooperation duties and appropriate communications with clients, insurers, employers and colleagues

  
  

• Preparing solicitors for interviews and regulatory meetings, with practical coaching on how to answer questions accurately and safely

  
  

• Liaising with the SRA on scope, timetable and disclosure, seeking to narrow issues and reduce unnecessary intrusiveness

  
  

• Advising on remedial steps, such as supervision plans, training, revised policies, file reviews and client-care improvements, where appropriate

  
  

• Representation in enforcement discussions and, where needed, coordination with counsel for proceedings before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal

  
  

• Reputation management support, including advice on professional communications that protect confidentiality whilst addressing reputational risk

A sample list of issues that may trigger SRA investigation

SRA referrals and investigations can involve a wide range of alleged conduct and practice issues. Examples include, but are not limited to:

Artificial intelligence and client work

• Use of artificial intelligence tools in drafting advice, pleadings, witness statements or correspondence without adequate supervision

  
  

• Failure to check accuracy, sources, citations or legal authorities where artificial intelligence has been used

  
  

• Confidentiality and data protection concerns arising from uploading client information into third-party systems

  
  

• Lack of transparency with clients about how work is produced and reviewed, including the respective roles of solicitor, trainee and automated tools

Referrals from members of the judiciary

• Allegations of misleading the court or making submissions without a proper evidential basis

  
  

• Criticism of inadequate preparation, late applications, non-compliance with directions or repeated procedural defaults

  
  

• Concerns about the authenticity or reliability of documents, authorities or statements placed before the court

Referrals from other solicitors, including aggressive correspondence

• Complaints that correspondence is intimidatory, abusive, improperly threatening or designed to harass

  
  

• Accusations of making allegations of fraud or dishonesty without proper foundation

  
  

• Improper threats of criminal proceedings or regulatory complaints as leverage in civil disputes

Client complaints about standards of service

• Failure to keep the client informed, delays, poor communication or unclear advice

  
  

• Disputes over costs information, billing practices or the handling of client money

  
  

• Failure to follow instructions, inadequate competence in a matter or poor supervision within a firm

Dishonesty, integrity and trust issues

• Allegations of dishonesty or lack of integrity, including misleading clients, opponents, insurers or the court

  
  

• Conflicts of interest, failure to act in the client’s best interests or acting where independence is compromised

  
  

• Improper handling of undertakings, file records or evidence

  
  

• Concerns about attendance notes, time recording or the accuracy of documents

Why early specialist support matters

Regulatory outcomes often turn on the quality of the first response, the clarity of the evidence and the ability to demonstrate safe practice. The Paladins Organisation focuses on early, disciplined case-building, careful drafting and realistic strategy. Where a matter is capable of resolution without escalation, The Paladins Organisation works to achieve that. Where the allegation is serious or unfair, The Paladins Organisation prepares the case to be defended properly.

About the Paladins Organisation

The Paladins Organisation (www.the-paladins.com) provides strategic advisory and representation services for legal and professional clients facing complex, high-stakes disputes and regulatory scrutiny. The organisation supports practitioners and firms with structured case analysis, evidence management, advocacy planning and coordinated representation.

Media and professional enquiries

Paladins Organisation

Website: www.the-paladins.com

Enquiries: Please use the contact form on the website and mark the message “SRA referral support”.

Notes to editors

This press release is for general information only and is not legal advice. Each matter depends on its facts, the applicable rules and the evidence available.