SRA restricts a solicitor from acting as manager or owner of an authorised body
Anthony Birchall has had a condition imposed on his practising certificate by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), preventing him from holding ownership or management roles within authorised legal bodies.
The decision, dated 26 February 2026 and published on 27 March 2026, applies to Mr Birchall’s practising certificate for the 2025/2026 practice year.
At the time of the matters giving rise to the outcome, Mr Birchall was practising at Birchall Ryan Solicitors, based in Congleton, Cheshire.
Under the terms of the condition, Mr Birchall is not permitted to act as a manager or owner of any authorised body regulated by the SRA. The restriction limits his ability to participate in the governance or ownership structure of a legal practice but does not prevent him from continuing to practise as a solicitor in other capacities.
The SRA stated that the condition was imposed in the public interest and considered it to be reasonable and proportionate. In reaching its decision, the regulator applied the criteria set out in regulation 7 of the SRA Authorisation of Individuals Regulations, alongside the regulatory objectives and principles contained in section 28 of the Legal Services Act 2007.
No further details of the underlying circumstances leading to the condition were disclosed in the published decision.
Conditions on practising certificates are used by the SRA as a regulatory measure to manage potential risks while allowing individuals to continue practising under specific limitations. Such restrictions are typically applied where concerns arise regarding an individual’s suitability to hold positions of responsibility within a firm, particularly in relation to management or ownership roles.
By imposing this condition, the SRA has restricted Mr Birchall’s involvement in strategic and operational decision-making within authorised legal bodies. The regulator’s approach reflects its focus on maintaining standards of governance and ensuring that those in leadership roles meet the required regulatory expectations.
The decision forms part of the SRA’s wider regulatory framework aimed at protecting the public, upholding professional standards and maintaining confidence in the legal services sector.