Theresa Quarshie barred from law firm ownership under SRA ruling

SRA restricts Solicitor Theresa Quarshie from managing or owning any authorised body

Solicitor Theresa Naana Quarshie has been barred from managing or owning any law firm after the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) imposed strict conditions on her practising certificate. The restriction, confirmed in decisions published in May 2023 and September 2025, applies to her certificates for both the 2022/2023 and 2024/2025 practising years.

The SRA first imposed the restriction on 31 March 2023, when Quarshie’s practising certificate was made conditional on her not holding a managerial or ownership role in any authorised body. The regulator said the measure was necessary in the public interest, proportionate, and aligned with the objectives set out in the Legal Services Act 2007. That decision was published in May 2023.

The SRA reaffirmed its position on 29 August 2025, again stating that Quarshie must not act as a manager or owner of a law firm. The outcome was published on 18 September 2025. This second condition applies to her practising certificate for 2024/2025, meaning she continues to be restricted in the types of roles she can hold within the profession.

At the time of the matters giving rise to both outcomes, Quarshie had been associated with Shores Anchor Solicitors, a firm based in Kilburn, north London. By the date of publication of each decision, she was listed with Grayfield Solicitors Limited, based in Romford.

The regulator explained that the conditions are intended to ensure public confidence in the profession and to prevent risks associated with the control of legal practices. Under the SRA Authorisation of Individuals Regulations, restrictions of this nature are imposed where the regulator considers them necessary to uphold professional standards and protect clients.

The specific condition prohibits Quarshie from serving as a manager or owner of any authorised body. In the SRA’s terminology, a “manager” includes a partner, member of an LLP or director of an incorporated practice, while an “owner” refers to individuals with a holding in a firm that gives them significant control. By prohibiting her from occupying such positions, the SRA has restricted Quarshie to practising in employed or non-managerial roles only.

The SRA’s reasoning makes clear that the restrictions were not punitive but protective. It emphasised that the conditions were both reasonable and proportionate, balancing the regulatory objectives of safeguarding clients and maintaining public trust with Quarshie’s right to continue practising law in other capacities.

No further details were provided by the regulator as to the underlying conduct that led to the imposition of the restrictions. However, the published notices confirm that the conditions have been applied consistently over multiple practising years and remain in force.

The SRA noted that such restrictions are imposed under section 28 of the Legal Services Act 2007, which sets out the statutory regulatory objectives governing professional oversight. These include protecting and promoting the interests of consumers, upholding the rule of law, and encouraging an independent, strong, diverse and effective legal profession.

Quarshie remains on the roll of solicitors, but the decisions mean she cannot establish or control a law firm, nor act in senior leadership roles within authorised practices. She is permitted to continue working in the profession in other capacities, subject to the conditions attached to her practising certificate.

The regulator has confirmed that any future renewal of her practising certificate will continue to be subject to review, and conditions may be varied or maintained depending on her compliance and the SRA’s assessment of ongoing risks.