SRA bars non-lawyer from legal sector following criminal conviction

SRA bans legal employee after conviction for drug supply and related offences

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has disqualified a former legal employee from working in regulated law firms following her conviction for serious criminal offences.

Ellie Walters, who worked as a Planning and MI Administrator at Optima Legal Services Limited between October 2019 and July 2025, has been barred from holding key roles within SRA-regulated firms. The decision was made on 25 February 2026 and published on 7 April 2026.

The SRA has prohibited Ms Walters from acting as a Head of Legal Practice, Head of Finance and Administration, manager, or employee within any authorised legal body. The order was made under its powers to control the employment of non-qualified staff.

The decision follows Ms Walters’ conviction at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on 5 June 2025. She pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine, possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, possession of an offensive weapon in a private place, and offences relating to criminal property. She was sentenced to four years and eight months’ imprisonment.

In its findings, the SRA concluded that Ms Walters’ conduct breached several core professional principles. These included obligations to uphold the rule of law, maintain public trust and confidence in the profession, and act with integrity.

The regulator determined that it would be undesirable for her to be employed in any capacity within a licensed legal body. As a result, it imposed a disqualification preventing her from holding both senior and junior roles within the sector. In addition to the disqualification, Ms Walters was ordered to pay costs of £600.

The SRA has powers to restrict or prohibit the involvement of non-qualified individuals in legal practice where their conduct raises concerns about integrity or public confidence. Such measures are designed to protect clients and maintain standards across the profession.

Optima Legal Services Limited, where Ms Walters was employed at the time of the matters giving rise to the decision, is a licensed body regulated by the SRA.

The decision highlights the regulator’s approach to addressing criminal conduct linked to individuals working within the legal sector, including those who are not qualified solicitors.