Solicitors could face a fine of up to £2,000 and a published rebuke for low-level professional misconduct under new rules which will come into force in August.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority has adopted powers to issue written rebukes and impose a fine where it considers there has been a breach of regulatory or professional obligations.

However, it indicated that for more serious matters, or where dishonesty was involved, a case is likely to be referred to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal instead.

The decision on whether to make the rebuke public will be considered by the adjudicator on a case-by-case basis, but publication will be the norm.

Unlike hearings in the SDT, where guilt must be proved beyond reasonable doubt, for lesser offences the SRA will apply only the civil standard of proof, in line with regulators in other sectors.