Legal Ethics – Page 3

Taking the SDT Path Forward: Navigating Accountability in a Flawed System

Written by John Barwell 9 November 20245 June 2026

SDT applications · Regulatory process · Legal accountability Criticising the SRA may be justified in many cases, but anyone seeking professional accountability must still understand the route. A direct application to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal requires more than frustration with the regulator: it requires evidence, procedural discipline and a record showing that the right steps … Continue reading “Taking the SDT Path Forward: Navigating Accountability in a Flawed System”

Case Studies

The SRA: A Regulator in Name Only

Written by John Barwell 3 November 20245 June 2026

The SRA is supposed to regulate the legal profession, uphold justice, and protect the public, but instead, it behaves like an inept sheriff in a lawless Wild West town—drunk, incapable, and ultimately indifferent to the chaos surrounding it.

Case Studies

SRA Takes Action Against Former Axiom Ince Employees: Further Developments in the Axiom Ince Saga

Written by John Barwell 2 November 20245 June 2026

The Solicitors Regulation Authority has intensified its response to the unfolding crisis surrounding Axiom Ince, banning two former employees from the profession.

Dispute Resolution

Navigating the UK Justice System as a Litigant in Person: Avoiding the “Vexatious Litigant” Label

Written by John Barwell 1 November 20245 June 2026

In the current legal environment, many individuals find themselves compelled to act as litigants in person (LiPs), often driven by economic necessity due to the prohibitive costs associated with formal legal representation.

Regulatory Matters

The SRA’s Attempts to Justify Its Failures Are Both Hollow and Disappointing

Written by John Barwell 31 October 20245 June 2026

Regulatory accountability · SRA · Axiom Ince The SRA’s response to the Axiom Ince review raises a public-confidence problem. A regulator facing oversight criticism can acknowledge failings plainly, or it can emphasise complexity, hindsight and future reform. The distinction matters because public trust is rebuilt by accountability, not by careful institutional positioning. Category Regulatory accountability … Continue reading “The SRA’s Attempts to Justify Its Failures Are Both Hollow and Disappointing”

Regulatory Matters

The Question of Independence: Should the SRA Be Using CEDR for Complaints Review?

Written by John Barwell 30 October 20245 June 2026

The SRA plays a crucial role in overseeing the standards and conduct of solicitors across England and Wales. As a regulatory body, it must uphold a transparent and fair process for handling complaints about its services.

Regulatory Matters

A Critical Turning Point for Legal Regulation: SRA Under Scrutiny in Axiom Ince Review

Written by John Barwell 30 October 20245 June 2026

The SRA has found itself at the centre of intense scrutiny following the release of an independent report that shines a light on substantial failings in its regulatory approach.

Regulatory Matters

Enforcement Action Against the Solicitors Regulation Authority: Lessons from the Axiom Ince Review

Written by John Barwell 29 October 20245 June 2026

Today, the Legal Services Board (LSB) announced that it had begun enforcement action against the Solicitors Regulation Authority, following an independent review into the regulator’s handling of Axiom Ince Limited—a law firm that collapsed in October 2023, leaving behind significant financial damage.

Regulatory Matters

The SRA and Trustpilot: A Troubling View of Legal Regulation

Written by John Barwell 29 October 20245 June 2026

A close examination of the Solicitors Regulation Authority reviews on Trustpilot reveals an overwhelming number of negative experiences, which paints a troubling picture of the current state of legal regulation in the United Kingdom.

Dispute Resolution

The Psychological and Systemic Challenges of Self-Representation in the Legal System: A Call for Reform

Written by John Barwell 23 October 20247 June 2026

Navigating the legal system as a litigant in person (LiP) can be a mentally exhausting and daunting endeavour. This article delves into the systemic power imbalances, regulatory failures, and profound psychological impacts experienced by those without legal representation, advocating for essential reforms to ensure fairness and support for all individuals in their pursuit of justice.