SRA intervenes into IPS Law LLP after citing suspected dishonesty by manager Christopher Farnell
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has intervened into the recognised body IPS Law LLP following findings that there is reason to suspect dishonesty on the part of one of its managers, solicitor Christopher Farnell. The intervention took effect on 11 November 2025 and was published on the regulator’s website on 12 November 2025.
IPS Law LLP operated from David House at 10 to 12 Cecil Road in Hale, Altrincham under firm identification number 442925. The SRA confirmed that the outcome was reached by its own decision, using statutory powers set out in legislation governing recognised bodies.
According to the intervention notice, the regulator acted on the basis that there is reason to suspect dishonesty by Mr Farnell in connection with the firm’s business. The SRA relied on paragraph 32(1)(d)(i) of Schedule 2 to the Administration of Justice Act 1985 for this aspect of the decision. The notice records that the suspected dishonesty relates to Mr Farnell as a manager of the firm.
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The SRA also stated that both Mr Farnell, in his role as a manager, and IPS Law LLP itself have 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. The regulator noted that these rules apply to the firm and its managers by virtue of section 9 of the Administration of Justice Act 1985. The intervention was made on this additional ground under paragraph 32(1)(a) of Schedule 2 to the Act.
An intervention allows the SRA to take possession of client files and client money in order to protect clients. This process removes the firm’s ability to continue operating and transfers responsibility for the secure handling of documents and funds to an appointed intervening agent.
In this case, the SRA has appointed Carl Johnson of Stephensons Solicitors LLP as the intervening agent. His office is located at the Wigan Investment Centre on Waterside Drive in Wigan. The intervening agent’s responsibilities include securing client papers, assessing ongoing matters and ensuring that clients are notified so they can appoint new legal representatives where necessary.
The SRA’s notice does not set out the underlying circumstances that led to the suspicion of dishonesty or the specific conduct that prompted findings of non-compliance. Instead, it records only the statutory grounds for intervention and the regulatory rules that the SRA determined had not been complied with.
An intervention is a protective measure and does not amount to a finding that misconduct has occurred. It is taken when the regulator considers that immediate action is required to safeguard the interests of clients or the wider public. Any further investigation or proceedings that may arise from the same issues would be addressed separately by the SRA under its enforcement powers.
The notice confirms that the intervention applies to the entire recognised body IPS Law LLP. It does not provide details of any other individuals at the firm or specify whether any additional regulatory steps are being considered. The intervention itself closes the firm in practical terms and prevents it from continuing to provide legal services.
The SRA advises clients of intervened firms not to contact the SRA directly about their files or money. Instead, they are directed to contact the intervening agent appointed to manage the process. The agent will arrange for the return of documents and will explain the procedure for recovering funds where the firm held client money.
The regulator’s intervention into IPS Law LLP remains in force and will continue until the SRA is satisfied that all client matters have been dealt with appropriately through the intervention process.