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Sadly, too many solicitor firms deliberately take the cash by being on both sides, when the Code of Conduct states the SRA do not want to see this happen routinely, i.e don't do it unless you really have to.

We have a blanket ban, no exceptions.

Sure the CLC have no such prohibition, but then again Solicitors are regulated to a far higher standard, obviously,- so mess with the Code, and expect the SRA wrath. Inevitable.

(That said, I cannot see in the Code that written consent is mandatory
https://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/code-of-conduct/guidance/questionofethics/March-2017.page ...though reading between the lines it almosts ounds like it is....but frankly if you are going to run the risk of being on both sides (especially after this case) you need to be whiter than white and get it right...they failed to)

Having said all that - I have to say, many clients would be better served by some firms being on both sides (as chinese walls are possible) than face representation by certain conveyancing firms.