Disciplinary Record - Laurence Peter Ford

Decision - Employee-related decision

Outcome: Approval of employment (section 43)

Outcome date: 25 September 2017

Published date: 9 October 2017

Firm details

Firm or organisation at time of matters giving rise to outcome

Name: Beveridge Gauntlett

Address(es): Reading Road, Yateley, Hampshire, GU46 7RN

Firm ID: 320961

Firm or organisation at date of publication

Name: Davis-Law Associates

Address(es): Bishops House, Market Place, Chalfont St. Peter, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, SL9 9HE

Firm ID: 522432

Outcome details

This outcome was reached by SRA decision.

Decision details

Davis-Law Associates were granted permission under Section 41 of the Solicitors Act 1974 to employ Laurence Peter Ford subject to conditions on 12 November 2012.

The approval of employment of Laurence Peter Ford pursuant to Section 43 of the Solicitors Act 1974 (as amended) has been varied to a Litigation Executive at Davis-Law Associates (the Firm) subject to the following conditions:

1. Mr Ford's work will be directly supervised by Mr John Davis;
2. In the event of Mr Davis' absence, Mr Ford will be supervised by a solicitor of not less than three years qualified or he does not have access to the office or conduct any work;
3. Mr Ford's work is limited to that described in the response to the Section 41 Questionnaire dated 29 August 2012;
4. Mr Ford will not have his own caseload;
5. Mr Ford will not take instructions directly from or give advice directly to clients;
6. Mr Ford will not undertake advocacy, but he may attend preliminary hearings to accompany and assist Counsel;
7. Mr Ford will not have responsibility for, or be involved in, the training, supervision or support of any other employee at Davis-Law Associates;
8. Mr Ford does not hold, receive or have any responsibility for client monies;
9. Mr Ford is not an authorised signatory to any client or office account cheque and does not have the power to authorise electronic payments on transfers from any client or office account;
10. Mr Davis informs the SRA immediately of any proposed variation in Mr Ford’s duties or his supervision arrangements;
11. This permission, and terms upon which is it granted, are reviewable at the discretion of the SRA.

Reasons/basis

Laurence Peter Ford was made subject to a Section 43 Order on 6 June 2007. In accordance with Section 43 of the Solicitors Act 1974, any solicitor wishing to employ or remunerate him in connection with their practise as a solicitor must obtain the SRA’s approval. The SRA is satisfied that the above employment will not put public confidence in the administration of justice and the provision of legal services or the interests of clients at risk.