Diciplinary Proceedings
It is by no means uncommon for professionals to themselves the subject of a complaint to their professional body or regulator. The result can be a formal investigation followed by a disciplinary hearing, and such proceedings can drag on over many months, or years. They can be time consuming, costly, and very stressful. The outcome can be disastrous in terms of career prospects and/or reputation.
If you find yourself that subject of disciplinary proceedings, we can help you. We can discuss whether you professional liability or other insurance can meet the costs of legal assistance, and even if you do not intend to have a lawyer represent you throughout the proceedings we can provide you with sensible advice before you commit yourself to any particular course of action. We are confident that we can make a difference to the outcome, either if you are contesting a charge or if you are admitting it but are anxious to avoid suffering the worst consequences.
Solicitors
Solicitors are liable to be disciplined for any breach of the law or of the Professional Rules of Conduct. Solicitors can also be disciplined for providing inadequate professional service.
The Office for the Supervision of Solicitors (“OSS”) will not make a judgment as to the quality of the advice given but will punish Solicitors if the way in which the advice was delivered or the manner in which complaints were handled falls short of the required standard. A financial penalty can be imposed and, in addition, Solicitors can be ordered to forfeit or reimburse their fee and pay costs. Breaches of the Rules can lead to more significant penalties, including fines, suspensions and strikings off and, in the most serious cases, an intervention into the Solicitor's practice can be ordered.
Accountants
Accountants can be disciplined by their regulatory bodies and we have experience in making representations on their behalf. Remember, accountants are vulnerable to investigation in respect of their own actions and the activities of their clients, and they cannot claim professional prvilege if required to disclosure material.
Medical Practitioners, Dentists, Pharmacists & Opticians
These professionals can all be disciplined by their regulatory bodies. This can include suspension or being struck off. Often, this may be for inappropriate conduct or for providing an inadequate professional service but can include matters of dishonesty.
Footballers & Football Clubs
The Football Association ("FA") was founded in 1863 as the governing body of the game in England. The FA is responsible for all regulatory aspects of the game of football in England, and we have experience of defending clubs and footballers who find themselves the subject of FA disciplinary proceedings.
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