Law firm co-run by former Hounslow mayor shut down as SRA probes suspected dishonesty by partners
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has intervened to shut down a law firm led by two solicitors, one of whom is a serving Labour councillor and former mayor of Hounslow.
Hounslow-based SZ Solicitors Limited, managed by Raghwinder Singh Siddhu and Mohammad Saeed Zafar, ceased operations after the SRA flagged multiple breaches of its conduct and accounting rules—and raised serious concerns over suspected dishonesty by the firm’s leadership.
Siddhu, who represents Bedfont Ward in the London Borough of Hounslow and served as the borough’s mayor in 2022, saw his practising certificate suspended alongside Zafar’s. The SRA issued formal intervention notices last Friday, ordering the firm’s closure and freezing its operations.
In its official notices, the regulator said there was reason to suspect dishonesty by both Siddhu and Zafar in connection with the firm’s conduct, citing paragraph 32(1)(d) of the Administration of Justice Act 1985. This clause permits the SRA to act when there is suspected dishonesty in managing a legal practice.
The SRA confirmed that both the firm and its managers had failed to comply with the Solicitors’ Code of Conduct and account rules, leading to regulatory intervention.
Embed from Getty ImagesFounded in 2008, SZ Solicitors branded itself as a high-street firm with “humble beginnings.” Its profile on ReviewSolicitors claims the firm began as a sole practice before merging with QSS Solicitors. For nearly two decades, it handled a mix of legal matters typical of a small community-facing law firm.
But according to Zafar, the regulator’s move to shut it down was unwarranted and heavy-handed.
“In my view, the SRA’s exercise of power to intervene is unjustified. It is a misuse of power—intervention is uncalled for,” Zafar told The Gazette.
He also pointed out that no client complaints had been filed, and no client funds were lost. Zafar suggested that a tax dispute with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) gave the SRA a pretext to take action against the firm.
“SZ Solicitors is a small high street firm. The SRA visited seven times in 17 years. There were no client losses—only a dispute with HMRC. That gave the SRA the opportunity,” he added.
Despite these denials, the regulator remains firm in its actions. An SRA intervention is typically reserved for severe breaches involving client risk, financial irregularities, or ethical misconduct. Interventions often lead to the appointment of an agent to collect files, handle ongoing cases, and ensure no clients are left vulnerable.
As of now, neither Siddhu nor Zafar has been formally accused or found guilty of any criminal wrongdoing. However, the suspension of their practising certificates means they cannot offer legal services while the SRA continues its investigation.
Political figures in Hounslow have so far remained silent, but pressure may build if the investigation uncovers further details. Siddhu’s future as a public office-holder could hang in the balance if the probe substantiates the regulator’s suspicions.
SZ Solicitors’ closure highlights a growing trend of increased scrutiny of small legal practices—especially those run by high-profile individuals. The case also underscores the SRA’s growing willingness to act on suspected dishonesty even without direct client complaints.
For now, the firm’s shutters are down, the regulator’s investigation is ongoing, and two legal careers—and one political one—hang in limbo.
