The SRA has refused a practising certificate application following a regulatory decision
A solicitor has been refused permission to practise after the regulator denied his application for a practising certificate, citing the public interest and statutory regulatory objectives.
The decision was made by the Solicitors Regulation Authority on 14 January 2026 and was published the following day. The outcome followed a consideration of an application for a practising certificate for the 2024/2025 practising year.
The regulator confirmed that the application was refused by way of an SRA decision, rather than through disciplinary tribunal proceedings. As a result, the solicitor is not authorised to hold a practising certificate for the relevant period.
According to the published decision, the refusal was made on the basis that it was necessary in the public interest. The SRA said the outcome was reasonable and proportionate when assessed against the purposes set out in regulation 7 of the SRA Authorisation of Individuals Regulations.
Regulation 7 provides the framework under which the SRA may impose conditions on, or refuse, an individual’s authorisation where this is considered necessary to protect the public, maintain confidence in the legal profession, and uphold professional standards.
In its reasoning, the SRA also referred to the regulatory objectives and principles governing regulatory activities contained in section 28 of the Legal Services Act 2007. These include protecting and promoting the public interest, supporting the rule of law, and maintaining trust and confidence in legal services.
No firm details were published in connection with the decision, and the regulator did not provide further information about the underlying matters that led to the refusal. The notice does not record any separate disciplinary findings or sanctions beyond the refusal to grant the practising certificate.
Refusals of practising certificates are among the regulatory tools available to the SRA where it considers that authorisation would not be appropriate. Such decisions are distinct from disciplinary outcomes and focus on whether an individual meets the regulatory requirements to practise during a specific period.
The SRA’s published decision confirms that the refusal applies to the 2024/2025 practising year. Any future application would be subject to further assessment in accordance with the regulator’s authorisation framework.