The SRA has imposed interim practising restrictions to protect the public interest
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has imposed conditions on the practising certificate of a solicitor, restricting how and where she may practise while regulatory proceedings remain ongoing.
The decision was made on 2 January 2026 and published on 8 January 2026. The outcome was reached by an SRA decision under its powers to impose interim controls on a solicitor’s practice where such steps are considered necessary in the public interest or for the protection of the public.
The solicitor concerned is Kimberley Clift, who was practising at the time of the matters giving rise to the outcome at Lawrence Stephens Limited, based at 50 Farringdon Road in London. The firm is authorised under SRA ID 806802.
Under the conditions imposed on her practising certificate for the 2025 to 2026 practising year, she may not act as a manager or owner of any authorised body. She may practise only as an employee and only where that employment has first been approved by the SRA.
The conditions further prohibit her from acting as a compliance officer for legal practice or as a compliance officer for finance and administration at any authorised body. She is also not permitted to practise on her own account under regulation 10.2(a) or (b) of the SRA Authorisation of Individuals Regulations.
The SRA confirmed that the conditions were imposed under rule 3.2 of the SRA Regulatory and Disciplinary Procedure Rules. That rule allows an authorised decision maker to impose interim practising certificate conditions at any stage, pending a final decision by the SRA or the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
In its published reasons, the regulator stated that it was satisfied the conditions were necessary in the public interest or for the protection of the public. No further information was provided about the underlying matters that led to the decision.
The SRA has not indicated that this represents a final determination. Interim conditions are precautionary measures designed to manage potential risk while investigations or proceedings continue and do not of themselves amount to findings of misconduct.
The solicitor remains entitled to practise within the scope of the imposed restrictions, subject to approval of any employment arrangements by the regulator. No timetable has been given for any further decision.