SRA Suspension & SRA Strike Off – Handle SRA Disciplinary Action


What Happens If a Solicitor Faces SRA Suspension or Strike Off?

Facing an SRA suspension can be one of the most serious and stressful moments in a solicitor’s career. An SRA suspension means you are temporarily prohibited from practising law, which can have devastating consequences for your professional reputation, income, and ongoing cases. In the most severe circumstances, the Solicitors Regulation Authority may go further and impose an SRA strike off, permanently removing your right to practise as a solicitor.

Both SRA suspension and solicitor strike off SRA outcomes are considered some of the most significant SRA disciplinary actions available. They are intended to uphold public confidence and ensure the highest standards within the profession. These measures typically follow allegations such as misconduct, dishonesty, misuse of client funds, regulatory breaches, or failure to comply with obligations under the SRA Code of Conduct and anti-money laundering regulations.

The consequences of an SRA disciplinary action extend beyond the immediate loss of practising rights. A solicitor facing suspension or strike off may also encounter reputational damage, loss of clients, and long-term career limitations. For this reason, it is critical to act quickly. Seeking urgent advice from a legal defence specialist who understands the complexity of SRA suspension cases can significantly improve your position.

By engaging expert legal representation at the earliest stage, you increase your chances of mitigating penalties, reducing the duration of any SRA suspension, or even avoiding strike off altogether. A well-prepared response, supported by evidence and strong advocacy, can protect your licence to practise and safeguard the future of your firm.

Contact us for a consultation and expert advice on SRA Compliance if suffering SRA Suspension or SRA Strike off.

Grounds for SRA Suspension or Strike Off

Solicitors or law firms may face regulatory action, SRA suspension or strike off for the following reasons:

  • Misuse of client funds or breach of the SRA Accounts Rules.
  • Dishonesty or criminal convictions, including fraud or financial crime.
  • Breaches of the SRA Code of Conduct.
  • Failure to comply with anti-money laundering laws and wider regulatory duties.
  • Persistent poor practice or professional negligence.
  • Lack of cooperation with investigations or failing to meet reporting requirements.
SRA Suspension and SRA Strike Off Legal Support - MAR Legal

Expert guidance from MAR Legal for solicitors facing SRA suspension or strike off.

How MAR Legal Can Assist in SRA Suspensions

At MAR Legal, we provide trusted legal support to solicitors and law firms facing SRA suspensions and SRA disciplinary action. Our services include:

  • Disciplinary Defence – Representing solicitors facing SRA hearings.
  • Regulatory Compliance Review – Identifying and correcting compliance gaps.
  • Mitigation Strategies – Advising on remedial steps to prevent severe penalties.
  • Reinstatement Applications – Assisting struck-off solicitors in regaining practising rights.
  • Crisis Management – Protecting reputation and minimising business disruption.

We understand the devastating personal and professional impact of SRA sanctions or SRA suspension. Our team works with discretion, speed, and expertise to protect your practice and future career.

Seeking specialist legal advice at the earliest stage is essential. With the right defence strategy, it may be possible to mitigate penalties, protect your career, and in some cases, avoid an SRA suspension or strike off entirely.

For more information Read the SRA’s official guidance on disciplinary procedures here.

Contact Us info@marlegal.co.uk

Further Information on Closing a Law Firm and SRA disciplinary action

Closing Down a Law Firm Post-closure of a Law Firm Notifiying SRA of Financial Difficulties Selling your Law Firm

FAQs SRA Suspension & SRA Strike Off

An SRA suspension is a disciplinary sanction imposed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority that temporarily prevents a solicitor from practising law. During this period, the solicitor cannot handle client matters, represent clients in legal proceedings, or carry out any regulated legal activity. Suspensions are often imposed where the SRA believes misconduct or regulatory breaches are serious but may not yet justify a permanent solicitor strike off SRA.

The key difference is that an SRA suspension is temporary, while an SRA strike off is permanent. Suspension allows a solicitor the possibility of returning to practice after serving the disciplinary term, whereas a strike off removes a solicitor from the roll entirely, ending their legal career unless they successfully apply for reinstatement at a much later stage.

The SRA may impose SRA suspension or strike off disciplinary action for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Non-cooperation with an ongoing SRA misconduct investigation.
  • Misuse or mismanagement of client funds.
  • Dishonesty, fraud, or criminal convictions.
  • Breach of the SRA Accounts Rules or Code of Conduct.
  • Failure to comply with anti-money laundering obligations.
  • Persistent poor practice or professional negligence.

Yes. After serving the SRA suspension period, a solicitor can usually return to practice, provided they meet any conditions imposed by the SRA or the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT). In contrast, reinstatement following an SRA strike off is far more difficult and only possible after a lengthy application process that requires strong evidence of rehabilitation, compliance, and fitness to practise.

The length of an SRA suspension depends on the severity of the case. It can last from a few months to several years. The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal decides the appropriate length after considering the nature of the misconduct, the level of harm caused, and any mitigating or aggravating factors.

If you receive notice of an SRA investigation or disciplinary hearing, it is essential to act immediately. Engaging specialist solicitors experienced in SRA disciplinary action can make a critical difference to the outcome. At MAR Legal, we help solicitors prepare robust defences, gather supporting evidence, and present their case effectively to reduce the risk of long-term damage, to help you avoid an SRA suspension or strike off.

Prevention is always better than cure. Solicitors and law firms should maintain strong compliance systems, carry out regular risk assessments, and ensure full adherence to the SRA Code of Conduct and financial rules. MAR Legal can provide proactive regulatory advice to reduce the risk of disciplinary action and protect your practice from suspension or strike off.

Protect Your Career & Firm

If you are at risk of SRA suspension or SRA strike off, it is vital to act without delay. Early legal intervention can make the difference between a temporary restriction and a permanent end to your career. By contacting MAR Legal, you gain immediate access to regulatory specialists who understand how the SRA approaches disciplinary cases.


Our team will assess the circumstances of your case, advise you on your options, and prepare a robust defence strategy. We work closely with you to respond to SRA investigations, present mitigating factors, and negotiate the best possible outcome. Whether you are facing a short-term SRA suspension, a potential strike off, or ongoing SRA disciplinary action, we will fight to protect your reputation, your practice, and your future in the legal profession.

Contact Us info@marlegal.co.uk