SRA intervenes into Ivy Solicitors as Mohamed Faisal Mamon faces disciplinary tribunal
Solicitor Mohamed Faisal Mamon has been referred to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) following a series of regulatory breaches linked to the collapse of Ivy Solicitors Ltd, his practice in Chingford, north-east London.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) confirmed that Mamon faces prosecution after an investigation found evidence of serious compliance failings between October 2022 and June 2023. The regulator also intervened into his firm on 1 June 2023, effectively closing it down and transferring client matters to an appointed agent.
The allegations against Mamon include providing inaccurate and misleading information in an application for professional indemnity insurance (PII). On or around 24 October 2022, he signed a proposal form asserting that he was the sole signatory on the firm’s client account, a statement which investigators say was untrue.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe SRA further alleges that Mamon failed to notify the regulator when Ivy Solicitors entered the Extended Policy Period (EPP) and subsequently the Cessation Period (CP) between 31 October 2022 and 29 January 2023. Both stages arise when firms are unable to secure a new policy of qualifying PII, placing them under strict obligations to notify the regulator and, if necessary, effect an orderly closure.
Instead, according to the SRA, Mamon continued to practise without valid cover. Between 30 January 2023 and 1 June 2023, he is said to have carried on accepting new instructions, including at least one new client matter, despite Ivy Solicitors lacking the required insurance. Regulators argue this posed a direct risk to clients who could have been left unprotected if claims arose.
In addition, Mamon is accused of failing to maintain or produce proper accounting records. Between October 2022 and June 2023, he allegedly neglected to complete client account reconciliations and failed to keep accurate records of dealings with client funds. These omissions, if proven, would represent breaches of the Solicitors Accounts Rules, which are designed to safeguard client money.
The SRA has emphasised that these allegations remain unproven until tested at a disciplinary hearing. The SDT has certified that there is a case to answer, and it will determine the outcome after reviewing all evidence and submissions from both sides.
Separately, the regulator moved to close Ivy Solicitors on 1 June 2023 by way of intervention. This step was taken under powers set out in the Solicitors Act 1974 after the SRA determined that Mamon had failed to comply with key rules governing practice and client protection. An intervention results in the immediate suspension of a firm’s operations, with control of client files and money transferred to an appointed agent.
Richard Thorpe of Shakespeare Martineau was named as the intervening agent. His role includes securing client papers, safeguarding any money held by the firm, and ensuring that ongoing legal matters are transferred to other solicitors where appropriate.
The intervention was published on the same date as the closure, with the SRA citing its statutory duty to protect the public and maintain confidence in the profession.
Mamon, who is listed on the roll of solicitors under registration number 484006, now faces disciplinary proceedings that could lead to sanctions ranging from fines to suspension or striking off, depending on the tribunal’s findings. The date of the SDT hearing has yet to be confirmed.
The case highlights the SRA’s strict stance on compliance with professional indemnity insurance requirements and client money safeguards. Firms that fail to maintain valid insurance or accurate accounts can face immediate intervention and referral to disciplinary proceedings, as regulators prioritise client protection above all other considerations