SRA intervenes into Christopher Farnell’s practice following concerns over suspected dishonesty
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has intervened into the practice of solicitor Christopher Farnell following findings that there is reason to suspect dishonesty in connection with his work at IPS Law LLP. The decision, issued on 11 November 2025 and published the following day, records that the regulator acted under its statutory powers to protect clients and the wider public.
According to the SRA notice, the intervention applies specifically to Mr Farnell’s practice at IPS Law LLP. The firm operated from David House at 10 to 12 Cecil Road in Hale, Altrincham, under firm identification number 442925. The SRA confirmed that it reached the decision through its own regulatory process.
The SRA said there is reason to suspect dishonesty on the part of Mr Farnell in connection with his practice as a solicitor. It cited paragraph 1(1)(a)(i) of Schedule 1 Part I to the Solicitors Act 1974 as the statutory ground for this aspect of the intervention. The SRA further stated that Mr Farnell has failed to comply with the SRA Principles 2019, the SRA Accounts Rules 2019, the SRA Code of Conduct for Solicitors, RELs and RFLs and the SRA Code of Conduct for Firms 2019. These rules are made under sections 31 and 32 of the Solicitors Act 1974 and were relied upon by the regulator under paragraph 1(1)(c) of Schedule 1 to the Act.
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The intervention means the SRA has taken possession of all client files and client money related to Mr Farnell’s practice at the firm. During an intervention, the regulator acts to protect the interests of clients by securing documents, taking control of accounts where required, and ensuring that ongoing matters are transferred safely to new legal representatives.
As part of the statutory process, the SRA appointed an intervening agent. Carl Johnson of Stephensons Solicitors LLP will take control of files and client money as necessary. His office is based at the Wigan Investment Centre on Waterside Drive in Wigan. The role of the intervening agent includes reviewing open matters, identifying urgent issues and making arrangements for clients to instruct new solicitors.
An intervention does not determine whether a solicitor has committed misconduct. Instead, it is a protective measure taken when the SRA believes immediate action is required. Matters relating to alleged breaches or suspected dishonesty may form the basis of further regulatory steps, but the intervention notice itself does not set out any conclusions beyond the statutory grounds relied upon.
The SRA emphasises in its published notices that clients of an intervened firm or solicitor do not need to contact the SRA directly to retrieve files or resolve issues. Instead, they should contact the appointed intervening agent who will manage the process. The SRA also provides formal contact details in its public guidance for individuals seeking clarification on how an intervention affects their legal matters.
The published notice does not provide further details about the underlying circumstances of the suspected dishonesty or the specific breaches of the codes and rules cited. It states only that the SRA reached the view that there is reason to suspect dishonesty on the part of Mr Farnell and that he failed to comply with relevant regulatory obligations.