Regulatory
Most professions, such as solicitors, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, psychologists, social workers and financial advisors, are regulated by an official regulatory body.
Those bodies have the power to investigate individuals and businesses for breaches of their industry regulations or legislation.
Here at Kaizen Law our specialist professional discipline lawyers can advise and defend people who are being investigated, prosecuted or at risk of investigation or prosecution. We have experience of helping clients from a wide range of professions. Therefore, regardless of your circumstances, you can rely on us to offer expert advice on professional regulation and discipline.
Intervention by one’s Regulatory body can often have a negative impact on a professional’s career and accusations of professional misconduct, for example, can cause high levels of stress and anxiety.
If you are anticipating an investigation or have received confirmation that you are the subject of disciplinary proceedings, it is important to seek expert legal advice as soon as you can. In order to protect your professional registration and reputation, we can assist you by intervening early on to mitigate the potentially damaging impact of a complaint as quickly as possible.
Why Kaizen Law
We have a team of lawyers specialising in regulatory and disciplinary body investigations and associated tribunal hearings. As a successful law firm, you can rely on us to offer expert advice and defend your interests at all times.
We offer plain and constructive advice from the outset and will work alongside you through each step of your case, keeping your best interests at heart. We recognise the importance of your registration with your professional body, its impact on your livelihood and for the need for it to be retained. When you meet with us, we will get to the root of your concerns and explain the relevant disciplinary or regulatory body’s powers and procedures to ensure you are prepared for every eventuality.
Our team of professional discipline solicitors are experienced at liaising with investigating bodies and acting as an effective professional barrier between you and investigators. For example, in the event that interviews are required, we will advise and prepare you so that you can handle any line of questioning.
Wherever possible, we will make written representations on your behalf, and shield you from any unnecessary distress. We can also provide representation at interim and final hearings as required.
In addition, we are experienced in challenging decisions of regulatory bodies by way of appeals to the relevant tribunal or court. We can provide advice on seeking judicial review of a regulatory body’s decision where appropriate on grounds of unreasonableness, unfairness, unlawfulness or breach of human rights.
To ensure that all our clients have access to the best defence possible we will investigate the availability of various forms of funding on your behalf such as Legal Expenses Insurance.
Our Areas of Expertise
At Kaizen Law we advise our clients in relation to investigations by professional bodies including:
- General Medical Council (GMC)
- Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
- General Optical Council (GOC)
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
- General Chiropractic Council (GCC)
- General Dental Council (GDC)
- Solicitors’ Regulatory Authority (SRA)
- Bar Standards Board (BSB)
- Accountancy & Actuarial Discipline Board (AADB)
- Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accounting (CIPFA)
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
If you are under investigation or are being prosecuted by a professional regulatory body, or a disciplinary tribunal, we will defend you every step of the way and work with you to clear your name as quickly as possible. If you feel that you are at risk of investigation, we can offer advice on the appropriate course of action.
