Regulator says conditions on Leeds solicitor’s certificate are necessary in the public interest
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has imposed conditions on the practising certificate of solicitor Jonathan Perry for the 2024/2025 practice year.
According to the SRA’s published decision, the outcome was reached by SRA decision and sets specific restrictions on Mr Perry’s professional activities.
Under the terms of the decision, Mr Perry may not be a manager or owner of an authorised body. He may not act as a compliance officer for legal practice (COLP) or as a compliance officer for finance and administration (COFA) for any authorised body.
The SRA further directed that Mr Perry may not practise on his own account under regulation 10.2(a) or 10.2(b) of the SRA Authorisation of Individuals Regulations without prior approval from the regulator.
The decision states that these conditions apply to Mr Perry’s practising certificate for the current practice year and are set in accordance with the definitions provided in the SRA Glossary.
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The SRA said: “The above conditions are necessary in the public interest. They are reasonable and proportionate having regard to the purposes set out in regulation 7 of the SRA Authorisation of Individuals Regulations, and the regulatory objectives and principles governing regulatory activities as contained in section 28 of the Legal Services Act 2007.”
The regulator added that the decision to impose conditions was made in line with its statutory powers and regulatory framework designed to uphold public confidence in the legal services profession.
The outcome was published on 27 October 2025 and relates to Mr Perry’s conduct during his time with Winston Solicitors LLP. The firm, based in Leeds and identified under firm ID 495024, is listed as the organisation at the time of the matters giving rise to the outcome. Its registered address is DX 17944, Leeds, Roundhay.
The SRA decision specifies that these conditions are both reasonable and proportionate, noting their connection to the regulatory objectives established under the Legal Services Act 2007. Section 28 of the Act sets out the core principles governing the regulation of legal services, including the need to protect and promote the public interest, maintain adherence to professional principles, and support the proper administration of justice.
The SRA’s notice also references regulation 7 of the Authorisation of Individuals Regulations, which provides the legal framework for the imposition of conditions on practising certificates. The regulation allows the SRA to act where it considers that imposing such conditions is necessary to meet its statutory obligations.
The published notice did not include further explanation or commentary beyond the formal wording of the decision. No additional details were provided regarding the circumstances leading to the conditions or their expected duration.
According to the SRA Glossary, the defined terms used in the decision — including “manager,” “owner,” “COLP,” and “COFA” — refer to roles within authorised law firms that carry specific governance and compliance responsibilities. The glossary forms part of the SRA’s regulatory handbook, providing definitions applicable across its rules and regulations.
Mr Perry’s conditions will remain attached to his practising certificate for the duration of the 2024/2025 practice year unless reviewed or amended by the SRA. The regulator’s published statement did not indicate whether Mr Perry had sought, or intends to seek, any variation or removal of the conditions.
The SRA’s decision notice concludes that the restrictions imposed are both necessary and proportionate “in the public interest” and are aligned with the regulator’s duty to apply the principles and objectives of the Legal Services Act.