SRA Conducting ‘20 Live Investigations’ into Solicitors and Law Firms Involved in Post Office Scandal
An announcement from the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) revealed that its investigation of the Post Office Horizon IT scandal now encompasses ‘20 live investigations into solicitors and law firms who were working on behalf of the Post Office/Royal Mail Group.’ The SRA said that it was releasing this update as a result of ‘the recent significant interest in the Post Office Horizon Scandal and the resumption of hearings at the ongoing statutory public inquiry.’
The SRA said that it was investigating a range of issues related to the actions of the solicitors and these firms including: the management and supervision of cases, the use of expert witnesses, disclosure obligations and the improper application of privilege, and issues with the operation of the Post Office Complaint Review and Mediation Scheme. However, the statement emphasised that ‘this is not an exhaustive list’, and that the investigation would also encompass ‘the conduct of solicitors in relation to their engagement and cooperation with the ongoing public inquiry.’
Paul Philip, chief executive of the SRA, included the following comment in the statement:
“The impact of this miscarriage of justice on so many individuals is tragic. We have live investigations into the actions of lawyers in these cases. Although the range of issues we are investigating is complex, the fundamentals are simple. The public expect solicitors to behave ethically. They must act independently and do the right thing in the interests of justice.
We will take action where we find they have failed to do so. This is vital to protect the public, maintain trust in the profession, and send a clear message that any solicitor behaving unethically should expect serious consequences. We will act as swiftly as we can, but it is important that we get this right. We owe that to everyone impacted in this case and the wider public.”
The SRA’s full statement on the investigation can be read here.