SRA v A

Tim Kendal, leading Ian Ryan (partner and Head of Regulatory) of Howard Kennedy LLP, secured the acquittal of solicitor A on all contested charges brought by the Solicitors Regulation Authority before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. The case was brought by the SRA as part of its thematic review of the implementation of Stamp Duty Land Tax mitigation schemes.

This complex case involved examination of:

• tax law principles
• alternative finance
• granting of legal interests
• conveyancing methodology
• the principles of conflict/risk of conflict
• duties of disclosure and
• the Solicitors Accounts Rules.

The presentation of the defence case required substantial criticism of the SRA investigation and the presentation of its case.

The case has now been adjourned for a costs hearing.