SRA intervenes in former practice following solicitor’s death in 2024
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has intervened in the former practice of Laurence Kingsley, citing the need to protect the interests of clients and beneficiaries.
The decision, made on 10 April 2026 and published the same day, relates to Mr Kingsley’s practice, which operated under his own name in New Malden. The intervention was carried out under the SRA’s statutory powers following concerns about the handling of client matters.
According to the SRA, the action was taken pursuant to paragraph 1(1)(m) of Schedule 1 to the Solicitors Act 1974. This provision allows the regulator to intervene where it is necessary to safeguard the interests of clients, former clients or beneficiaries of any trust connected to the solicitor.
The regulator confirmed that the intervention concerns the former practice of Mr Kingsley, who passed away in October 2024. The decision reflects the SRA’s responsibility to ensure that client affairs are properly managed where a legal practice is no longer able to operate.
An intervention typically results in the regulator taking control of client files, documents and, where applicable, client money. This enables arrangements to be made for the safe handling or transfer of ongoing matters.
No further details have been provided regarding the specific circumstances leading to the intervention. The SRA stated that the outcome was reached through its internal decision-making process rather than through proceedings before a tribunal.
Interventions are a key regulatory tool used to protect the public and maintain confidence in the legal profession. They may be carried out in a range of circumstances, including where a solicitor is unable to continue practising or where there are concerns about the management of client affairs.
In cases involving the death of a solicitor, intervention ensures that any outstanding legal matters, including trust-related responsibilities, are properly addressed and that clients are not disadvantaged.
The SRA has not disclosed details of any intervening agent or arrangements for managing the files associated with the practice.
The intervention into the former practice of Laurence Kingsley highlights the regulator’s role in overseeing the orderly closure of legal practices and ensuring that client interests remain protected.