SRA restricts solicitor’s role pending further regulatory decision
Violetta Gorzka-Niklas has been made subject to strict practising conditions by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, limiting her role within the legal profession.
The conditions, imposed on 18 March 2026 and published on 16 April 2026, apply to her practising certificate for the 2025/2026 period. The regulator confirmed that the measures were introduced under its regulatory powers pending a final decision.
Under the terms of the order, Ms Gorzka-Niklas may only practise as a solicitor in an employed capacity, and only where that employment has been approved in advance by the SRA. She is prohibited from acting as a manager or owner of any authorised legal practice.
The restrictions also prevent her from holding key compliance roles within a firm. She is barred from acting as a compliance officer for legal practice (COLP) or compliance officer for finance and administration (COFA), as well as from serving as head of legal practice (HOLP) or head of finance and administration (HOFA).
Further conditions limit her involvement in handling client funds. She is not permitted to hold or receive client money, act as a signatory on any client account, or authorise transfers from such accounts.
The SRA stated that these interim conditions were imposed in accordance with rule 3.2 of the SRA Regulatory and Disciplinary Procedure Rules. This provision allows the regulator to apply restrictions at any stage of an investigation where it considers such action necessary.
According to the regulator, the measures are required in the public interest and for the protection of clients. No further details regarding the underlying concerns or investigation have been disclosed in the published decision.
At the time of publication, Ms Gorzka-Niklas was associated with AC Gilead Solicitors Limited, based on Deptford High Street in London.
Interim conditions of this nature are typically used by the SRA to manage potential risks while investigations or disciplinary proceedings are ongoing. They do not represent a final determination of misconduct but are designed to safeguard clients and maintain confidence in legal services.
The decision highlights the regulator’s ability to restrict a solicitor’s practice where concerns arise, particularly in relation to roles involving financial control, governance, or client money.
The conditions will remain in place unless varied or removed following further regulatory action or a final determination by the SRA or the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.