JMW Solicitors’ specialist regulatory and professional discipline team successfully represented an accountant facing serious misconduct proceedings brought by ACCA, including allegations of dishonesty.

Dishonesty is treated particularly seriously by professional regulators and would normally result in suspension or removal from the profession, with devastating consequences for an individual’s livelihood and reputation.

How JMW helped

Sam Haldane and Chloe Wynne carefully analysed the allegations against our client and considered their individual circumstances before developing a focused defence and mitigation strategy. The team presented evidence of significant stressors affecting the client’s decision-making at the relevant time, alongside evidence demonstrating greater insight into the conduct.

This ensured the tribunal had a balanced picture of the circumstances and a clear basis for imposing a proportionate sanction.

The outcome

The tribunal accepted the exceptional circumstances advanced on the client’s behalf. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the client successfully avoided exclusion from the register and instead received a reprimand.

This outstanding result demonstrates how specialist advice, careful preparation and persuasive mitigation can materially affect the result of professional disciplinary proceedings.

Why instruct JMW Solicitors?

Regulatory proceedings can put a professional’s long-term career prospects at risk. Our regulatory lawyers provide strategic, straightforward advice throughout investigations and disciplinary proceedings, tailoring their approach to the specific circumstances of each client. As a full-service law firm, our teams can also draw on complementary expertise where regulatory issues overlap with criminal or reputational matters.

If you are an accountant or other regulated professional facing an investigation or disciplinary proceedings, obtaining specialist advice at an early stage can help protect your position and ensure your case is presented as effectively as possible.