Your health, your career

Dealing with one person at the SRA

What were the issues?

Mr T's firm was being shut down. We were working with him to make sure this was done properly. However, there was an outstanding issue that our Supervision team was dealing with, and a third team was liaising with Mr T about charges and funds.

He contacted us to say that he was suffering from depression and this was all getting too much for him. He explained that he found it stressful dealing with the various departments on different matters and was struggling to keep on top of it all.

How did we help?

We offered Mr T one point of contact—someone he could call or email at anytime. We explained that this might cause delay, as the person would need to speak to the different teams to share information or get answers to his questions. He was happy with this and it was agreed that his SRA contact would call him once a week (on a specified day and time) to update him and pass on any key information. Mr T felt he was able to handle the situation much better this way and was more in control of the situation.

Small firms advice

What were the issues?

Mr X was a sole practitioner who had run his own business for 40 years. Due to serious illness, he had not been able to keep on top of his practice and had stopped working for long periods of time. Ultimately, he realised he could not continue practising. He was finding the whole situation overwhelming. He did not know how to proceed or where to get help.

How did we help?

Mr X contacted our small firms helpline for advice, and our dedicated team talked through his issues with him.

We were able to outline his options and prepare a plan for him. We then called Mr X every fortnight to help him stay on track and answer any queries he might have. We also arranged a visit to his office on his request to make sure he had the correct documentation for us.

Mr X found the closing down plan very helpful, as it focused his mind on the key actions and made sure he did not miss anything important. He also appreciated the regular contact with us and was able to close down his practice properly without putting his health at further risk.

Requesting information following a complaint

What were the issues?

Following a complaint, we wrote to Miss D and asked her for information to help with our inquiry. When we did not hear back from her, we visited Miss D's practice and discovered she had been unwell for some time.

She told us she had family problems and was going through a divorce. Miss D was also seeing her doctor about her anxiety and stress.

How did we help?

Once Miss D gave us her medical evidence, we agreed to put our inquiry with her on hold for a limited period, with monthly contact. After six months, she was feeling much better and was able to help us.

Struggling to pay fees

What were the issues?

Mrs R called us in distress to explain that she could not pay her firm fees due to financial difficulties. She also felt she may have to close her practice.

How did we help?

We told her about the help offered by the Solicitors' Assistance Scheme (SAS) and how to get in touch with SAS. We also talked her through paying her fee and referred her to our website, which outlines sources of help and assistance should she need it in the future.

Mrs R was grateful for the information and said wished she had contacted us sooner. She said was pleased to know where to get help should she need it again.