SRA restricts solicitor’s practising rights and orders repayment of tribunal costs
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has imposed strict practising conditions on solicitor Syed Rizvi following a control of practice decision made on 3 September 2025 and published on 3 November 2025. The regulator confirmed that Rizvi’s practising certificate for the 2024/2025 year is now subject to formal restrictions and financial conditions to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and public protection.
At the time of the events giving rise to the outcome, Rizvi was working at Liberty Law UK Ltd, based at 317 Dickenson Road, Manchester (Firm ID: 630524). At the time of publication, he is listed as practising with Dinn Solicitors Ltd, located at 80 Bayswater Mount, Leeds (Firm ID: 620619).
According to the published decision, Rizvi’s practising certificate remains valid but carries specific restrictions. He is prohibited from acting as a compliance officer for legal practice (COLP) or for finance and administration (COFA) for any authorised body. The same restriction applies to acting as Head of Legal Practice (HOLP) or Head of Finance and Administration (HOFA) within any authorised non-SRA firm. The SRA has also required Rizvi to pay in full, or resume payments under an agreed plan, covering £14,500 in costs arising from an earlier Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal outcome. Payment must be completed before the renewal of his 2024/2025 practising certificate.
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The SRA said that the restrictions were necessary to uphold public confidence in legal services and ensure effective regulatory oversight. It emphasised that the conditions were imposed under its powers to control the manner in which solicitors may practise where necessary to protect the public.
In its published statement, the regulator said: “The above conditions are necessary in the public interest. They are reasonable and proportionate having regard to the purposes set out in regulation 7 of the SRA Authorisation of Individuals Regulations, and the regulatory objectives and principles governing regulatory activities as contained in section 28 of the Legal Services Act 2007.”
The decision does not prevent Rizvi from practising law but limits his ability to hold senior management or compliance roles within authorised firms. This form of control of practice is used by the SRA when a solicitor remains entitled to practise but requires additional oversight or safeguards. Such measures are often used in cases where the regulator considers it necessary to restrict managerial authority, financial access, or compliance responsibilities to protect clients and maintain public confidence.
The SRA’s conditions require that Rizvi continue to meet all professional and ethical standards while working under supervision in any approved employment setting. His ability to renew his practising certificate will depend on full adherence to the financial requirement and confirmation of compliance with the imposed conditions.
Control of practice decisions are a regulatory mechanism under which the SRA can impose specific restrictions without suspension or strike-off. They are typically used where the regulator considers that risk can be managed proportionately through targeted conditions rather than by removing a solicitor from practice altogether.
The regulator confirmed that the restrictions placed on Rizvi were made after consideration of all relevant factors and are consistent with its broader policy of proportionate intervention. It stated that such decisions are guided by the regulatory objectives in the Legal Services Act 2007, including protecting the public, maintaining trust in the legal profession, and promoting adherence to high standards of conduct.
The SRA said the decision also reinforces its approach to ensuring that solicitors comply fully with disciplinary outcomes, including the payment of tribunal costs where agreed or ordered. The regulator routinely monitors such compliance as part of its oversight of individual solicitors’ authorisations.
Syed Rizvi remains authorised to practise as a solicitor under the terms of the imposed conditions. The SRA confirmed that these will remain in place for the duration of his 2024/2025 practising certificate and may be reviewed or varied in accordance with the regulator’s procedures