SRA imposes conditions limiting solicitor’s practice and compliance responsibilities
Shazia Bhatti has been made subject to practising restrictions by the Solicitors Regulation Authority following a regulatory decision published on 29 April 2026. The conditions apply to Mrs Bhatti’s practising certificate for the 2025/2026 practising year and were imposed on 31 March 2026.
The regulator confirmed that Mrs Bhatti, who previously changed her surname from Rasheed in December 2005, may now only work as a solicitor in approved employment authorised by the SRA. Under the conditions, she is permitted to practise solely as an employee and only where the employment arrangement has first received approval from the regulator.
The SRA has also prohibited Mrs Bhatti from holding senior compliance positions within authorised legal practices. The restrictions prevent her from acting as a compliance officer for legal practice (COLP), compliance officer for finance and administration (COFA), head of legal practice (HOLP), or head of finance and administration (HOFA).
At the time of the matters leading to the decision, Mrs Bhatti was associated with Finsbury Law Solicitors Limited, based on Seven Sisters Road in London.
The regulator stated that the conditions were imposed in the public interest and considered reasonable and proportionate under the SRA Authorisation of Individuals Regulations. The decision also referenced the regulatory objectives contained in the Legal Services Act 2007, which include protecting consumers, maintaining professional standards and supporting the rule of law.
No further details were published regarding the circumstances that led to the restrictions. Practising conditions of this nature are used by the SRA where it considers limitations are necessary to manage regulatory risks while allowing a solicitor to continue practising in a restricted capacity.
The requirement for prior approval of employment arrangements gives the regulator oversight of where and how the solicitor works. Restrictions on holding compliance positions also prevent involvement in key governance and financial oversight responsibilities within legal practices.
The SRA’s powers to impose conditions form part of its wider regulatory framework aimed at protecting the public and maintaining confidence in the legal profession.
The conditions will remain in place unless amended or removed following further review by the regulator. The decision reflects the SRA’s ongoing use of targeted practising restrictions as part of its supervisory and enforcement approach within the legal sector.