News

SRA deals firmly with double-charging lawyers

25 April 2007

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) supports the condemnation by Lord Lofthouse of those solicitors who made deductions from the compensation awarded to sick miners.

Solicitors Regulation Authority chair Peter Williamson said, "I am ashamed that solicitors whose costs are being met by the Government should do such a thing. The SRA, the independent regulator of the profession, is dealing robustly with those firms suspected of professional misconduct."

"Solicitors are supposed to put their clients' interests first—that is a fundamental professional principle. The row over solicitors making deductions from the compensation to sick miners has seriously damaged the reputation of the profession."

"We have authorised our biggest-ever series of investigations—more than 50 firms. We have referred 17 firms to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. We won the first two disciplinary cases heard there. We have enforced compensation awards for two miners in the face of highly contested public proceedings. Solicitors have refunded over £2.5 million to miners in success fees in the face of our action. All of this despite the fact that solicitors are fiercely defending their position."

Peter Williamson added: "The SRA will continue to deal firmly with solicitors who are suspected of misconduct in relation to the miners' compensation scheme. We will do this regardless of the difficulty or cost involved. The SRA is determined to do the right thing."