SRA restricts solicitor to approved employed roles only under interim regulatory powers
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has imposed interim restrictions on the practising certificate of Mark Case, limiting how he may practise as a solicitor while regulatory matters remain unresolved.
The decision, published on 23 January 2026, confirms that Mr Case’s practising certificate for the 2025/2026 year is now subject to a condition requiring him to practise only as an employee. Any such employment must first receive approval from the SRA before he is permitted to act.
The outcome was reached by an SRA decision and took effect on 16 January 2026. It has been categorised as a control of practice outcome, rather than a disciplinary finding.
At the time of the matters giving rise to the decision, Mr Case was associated with Whiskers LLP, which operates from Arise Harlow, Maypole Boulevard, Harlow Innovation Park. At the date of publication, his firm details are recorded as Penmans Law Ltd, based in Corringham, Stanford-Le-Hope.
The SRA confirmed that the restriction has been imposed under rule 3.2 of the SRA Regulatory and Disciplinary Procedure Rules. This provision allows an authorised decision maker to impose interim conditions on a solicitor’s practising certificate at any stage, pending a final decision by the SRA or the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
According to the regulator, it is satisfied that the condition is necessary either in the public interest or for the protection of the public. The published decision does not set out the underlying issues that prompted the interim measure, nor does it indicate any findings of misconduct at this stage.
Interim conditions of this nature are used by the SRA as a risk management tool during ongoing regulatory processes. They are designed to restrict practice where appropriate while matters remain under consideration, without pre-judging the final outcome.
The condition prevents Mr Case from practising as a sole practitioner, partner, or in any unapproved capacity. He may continue to work only in an employed role that has received prior SRA approval, in line with the definitions set out in the SRA Glossary.
The SRA noted that interim conditions may be reviewed, varied, or removed depending on the progression and outcome of the underlying regulatory process.