I was interested to read the article 'Standard bearers?' concerning the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) flexing its new muscles (see [2007] Gazette, 21 June, 16).


As the solicitor who acted for Mark Adcock and Neil Mocroft [the solicitors cleared earlier this year over allegations of not disclosing payments from a local search company (see [2007] Gazette, 18 January, 5)], I agree that the profession can anticipate a more robust regulatory environment.



Unfortunately, the hope expressed by Vanessa Shenton that the SRA would only act after a firm has had time to adjust its procedures would seem to be in vain. I am currently acting in another matter where a solicitor is due to appear before the SRA for what I would certainly describe as relatively minor breaches of the rules, for which he was originally reported by his own accountant.



After the breaches were drawn to his attention, the solicitor immediately took action to adjust his procedures so that they are in compliance with the rules. The SRA has, nonetheless, felt it necessary to bring the matter before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.



One may well ask the questions why and what good is being served by doing so, other than to show the SRA is indeed flexing its new muscles?



Robert Ashton, Hacking Ashton, Newcastle under Lyme, Staffs

l References in Vanessa Shenton's article to the SRA's professional standards unit should have read practice standards unit.