SRA says breach while acting as director at Richardson Lissack Limited warranted written rebuke and £1,350 costs
Timothy Thomas has been issued with a rebuke by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) following findings that his conduct failed to uphold public trust and confidence in the legal profession.
The decision, relates to Mr Thomas’s actions while acting as a director at Richardson Lissack Limited.
Mr Thomas, who is not a solicitor but is involved in legal practice as a lawyer manager, was found to have breached Principle 2 of the SRA Principles 2019. This principle requires individuals working within legal services to act in a way that maintains public trust and confidence in the profession.
The SRA’s findings relate to a letter written by Mr Thomas on 7 February 2023 on behalf of a client. The regulator determined that the content of the letter did not meet the standards expected and was inconsistent with the obligation to uphold public confidence in legal services.
At the time of the conduct, Mr Thomas was acting as a director of the firm, which is a recognised body authorised to provide legal services. He remains employed in that role.
In assessing the appropriate outcome, the SRA concluded that a rebuke was a proportionate sanction. The regulator considered that while the conduct amounted to a breach of professional standards, it did not result in lasting or significant harm to consumers or third parties.
The SRA also assessed the risk of repetition as low. It noted that, in such circumstances, a public sanction was necessary to maintain confidence in the profession but that a more severe penalty was not justified.
As part of the outcome, Mr Thomas was issued with a written rebuke and ordered to pay costs of £1,350.
The decision reflects the SRA’s approach to enforcement, which considers both the seriousness of the misconduct and the potential impact on the public and the profession. While the conduct did not warrant stronger disciplinary action, the regulator determined that formal recognition of the breach was required to reinforce professional standards.
The case highlights the expectation that all individuals involved in legal services, including those who are not solicitors, must adhere to the SRA Principles and ensure that their conduct supports public trust in the legal system.