SRA places extensive practising restrictions on a solicitor linked to the Gateshead firm
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has imposed a series of practising restrictions on solicitor Sufe Miah following a regulatory decision published on 18 May 2026. The restrictions were imposed as part of a control of practice outcome dated 16 April 2026 and relate to Mr Miah’s practising certificate for the 2025/2026 practice year.
According to the SRA, the decision was reached internally by the regulator and concerns Mr Miah’s role connected to Hathaways The Law Firm Limited, based at Regent Terrace in Gateshead. Under the conditions imposed by the regulator, Mr Miah is prohibited from acting as a manager or owner of any authorised body or authorised non-SRA firm.
The SRA has also restricted him from practising except as an employee in a role that has first been approved by the regulator. In addition, the conditions prevent Mr Miah from acting as a Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP) or Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration (COFA) for any authorised body.
Further financial controls have also been imposed. The regulator stated that Mr Miah must not hold or receive client money, act as a signatory on any client or office account, or authorise transfers from client or office accounts.
The SRA confirmed that the terms used within the conditions are defined according to the SRA Glossary. No allegations of dishonesty or misconduct were detailed within the published outcome notice, and the regulator did not disclose further background information relating to the decision.
In its published reasons, the SRA stated that the conditions were “necessary in the public interest”. The regulator added that the restrictions were considered “reasonable and proportionate” having regard to regulation 7 of the SRA Authorisation of Individuals Regulations and the regulatory objectives contained within section 28 of the Legal Services Act 2007.
Control of practice conditions is a regulatory measure available to the SRA where it considers restrictions are required on how an individual solicitor practises. Such conditions can include limitations on ownership, management responsibilities, handling client funds and employment arrangements. The latest decision forms part of the regulator’s ongoing oversight of compliance, governance and risk management within the legal profession.
The SRA regularly publishes regulatory outcomes involving solicitors, law firms and non-lawyer managers where conditions, sanctions or interventions are imposed. The regulator has not indicated whether the conditions imposed on Mr Miah are subject to review or appeal. No further details about the circumstances leading to the restrictions were included in the published notice.