Following an SRA spot check, the partners of my firm were advised of two minor infractions. More than six months later, and following a delay in the reissue of practising certificates, we were advised over the phone that we were to be reprimanded. We were told that this was the lowest punishment reflecting the ‘offence’ and we would have to pay £500 costs.

Made redundant in the new year, I am then advised that the reprimand will not only merit a condition on my practising certificate (to attend a course on the Code of Conduct – proof of attendance to be sent with next year’s application for the PC) but will also be published on the SRA website, remaining there for three years.

After more than 20 years in practice with an unblemished record, I feel like a criminal with a conviction published on the web. All this to ‘protect’ the public. Who is there to protect and fight for the ordinary, hardworking, honest solicitor – the SRA, the Law Society?

I am now trying to set up on my own, but guess what? Mortgage lenders are not happy with the condition on my PC.

Is it necessary to name and shame us for minor infractions? This will destroy public confidence in solicitors.

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