Miles Herman is a clever, understated lawyer who is at the top of his game.
Our Regulatory team here at Lewis Nedas can provide you with the expert advice and experience you need at this difficult time. Our specialists have represented a number of firms of solicitors, individual partners and other members of legal sector staff faced with investigations by the Solicitors Regulation Authority [SRA].
We have experience in advising both small practices and major firms on a wide range of issues. Whether you are under investigation for issues of integrity, not acting in the best interests of clients, fraud and financial services issues or any other issues of regulatory compliance, Lewis Nedas can help.
We can work with you and with the regulator carrying out the investigation to convince them not to prosecute or intervene. Where the investigatory body makes the decision to prosecute, we can offer expert legal advice and representation at every stage of the process.
We can help our clients explain their actions, clearly and concisely so that the SRA gets a full and accurate picture of the reasons behind our client’s conduct – and don’t misunderstand the circumstances.
Having a specialist Regulatory lawyer present assists the SRA with their investigation and makes the process go more smoothly. If you are concerned about a professional regulator investigation, don’t delay, contact Lewis Nedas as soon as possible to find out how we can help.
The SRA Investigation Process may follow a complaint by your employer, a client or a fellow legal professional or sometimes a qualified Accountant report sent to The Law Society. The SRA will assess the issue in line with the Code of Practice or Code of Conduct in order to assess whether to take the issue any further. Following initial assessment, some or all of the following stages may take place:
Investigation – During the investigation, you will be asked to justify or explain your conduct, or the circumstances leading up to the complaint. Normally you will make your reply in writing, however, you may also be asked to attend an interview. Our specialist solicitors can help make sure you explain yourself clearly and can provide assistance in composing your response.
Investigating Committee – An investigating committee may meet to decide whether there is a case to answer after you have provided a response to the allegations raised. Where they decide there is a case to answer, you will be invited to a hearing. You should seek legal advice as soon as there is a suggestion that you will be subject to investigation by the SRA. A well-drafted response during the investigation or proper briefing for an interview could make all the difference when a committee are deciding whether there is a case to answer. Contact Lewis Nedas today to find out how we can help.
Disciplinary Decision – The SRA will then make a disciplinary decision. If your case falls below the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) threshold, this will normally be a rebuke or fine or an agreed outcome known as a Regulatory Settlement Agreement. However, we understand that these disciplinary actions are not always the most damaging, and in fact, your reputation is far more important. That is why we recommend you contact a specialist solicitor for assistance, to give you the best chance of clearing your name.
Prosecution before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) may result in a far more serious sanction. This may include large fines, and striking off meaning you will no longer be able to practice as a solicitor. Such a hearing could have a serious impact on your life, and you must ensure you have the best chance of success by contacting a specialist lawyer, familiar with the procedure.
Here at Lewis Nedas, we can help you review your position, advise you on how to proceed and also provide you with the support and representation you need throughout the process. We understand that the consequences of an SRA investigation can be catastrophic both for individuals and for the firm that person works for. Whilst only the SDT has the power to strike off a solicitor, the reputational damage that can occur as the result of any sanction imposed by the SRA can have a great impact on the career of an individual involved, or on a firm’s ability to secure business and affordable indemnity insurance.
Solicitors with a disciplinary record or a condition affecting their practicing certificate may find it difficult to find employment, but Lewis Nedas specialist SRA investigations solicitors can give you the best chance of avoiding this situation.
Many individuals, when faced with an SRA investigation, are keen to come to an agreement at an early stage in order to limit the reputational damage and cost they may face. Lewis Nedas solicitors can help you assess and review your circumstances to determine whether it is worth challenging the findings of the SRA investigation to ensure you are not unfairly left with a mark on your disciplinary record.
We can also help you in the initial stages ensure that your explanation of events paints a clear picture of your actions and your reasoning during the circumstances leading to the complaint. We highly recommend that you get expert advice at an early stage, or at whatever stage you are at in the procedure. Only a lawyer with specialist experience of SRA and SDT proceedings can give you the best chance of success, Contact Lewis Nedas today to find out more about how we can help.
We understand how stressful an investigation can be, but our specialist team can help you get the advice and support you need.
For legal advice that will be tailored to your needs, from lawyers that are tenacious and who will provide a practical solution to your concerns, contact our team now.
Call 020 7387 2032 or contact us online.
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Miles Herman is a clever, understated lawyer who is at the top of his game.
Richard McConnell carried out conveyance for my family on 4 London flats, 1 sale and 3 purchases. In each instance he was excellent. The attention to detail and communication throughout the process was perfect. I have recommended Richard to several family members and friends who have been extremely pleased. I would have no hesitation in using Richard McConnell and Lewis Nedas in the future should the need arise.
I wanted to take the opportunity as well to thank you for everything that you have done on this case. The result that we got on Monday will have a massive positive impact not only on my life but the lives of all my family including that of my own son. I personally was struggling to hold back the tears when the sentence was being delivered by the judge and I know my father and sister felt the same too. It must be fantastic to work in a way that can have such a positive impact on people’s lives and I want you to know how much it all means to us all. Thanks a million and good luck with all that you do going forward.
Lewis Nedas advised me in a serious case of insider dealing. The lead solicitor dealing with my case was Jeffrey Lewis, who impressed me with his quick grasp of the very complex circumstances. His in-depth knowledge of how the City really works and his long experience of serious financial crime gave me great confidence. But it was also his friendly and supportive attitude, and readiness to take calls (or return them promptly if he was in court) which was very reassuring. I was delighted with the positive result of the case, and the speed and efficiency with which it was handled.
Lewis Nedas Law Limited, led by Jeffrey Lewis, is known as ‘an exceptional firm with a strong team of talented and expert criminal lawyers’. The practice offers a wide range of high-end legal services, including on cases concerning espionage, terrorism, and murder. Siobhain Egan has strong experience in multi-jurisdictional matters; recent highlight engagements concern organ trafficking and terrorism financing, among other matters. Unan Choudhury is noted for his work regarding espionage and murders, while Keith Wood is an expert in High Court contempt proceedings which arise from criminal activity. Other key figures include Miles Herman, who represents clients in complex litigations.
Hands on partner involvement leading a dynamic team who like to think out of the box. Results driven. Clear strategies. They can go toe to toe with the big “City” firms.
