Disciplinary Record - Vincent Howard Wilkes

Decision - Employee-related decision

Outcome: Approval of employment (section 41)

Outcome date: 2 February 2018

Published date: 16 February 2018

Firm details

Firm or organisation at date of publication

Name: Affinity Seven Law Solicitors Ltd

Address(es): 140 Drake Street, Rochdale, Lancashire, OL16 1PS

Firm ID: 630144

Outcome details

This outcome was reached by SRA decision.

Decision details

Affinity Seven Law Solicitors Ltd have been granted permission under Section 41 of the Solicitors Act 1974 to employ Mr Vincent Howard Wilkes, subject to the following conditions:

1. Mr Wilkes does not hold, receive or have access to client money, or act as signatory to any client or office account, or have the power to authorise electronic transfers from any client or office account.
2. Mr Wilkes is not to hold himself out as a solicitor and must use the job title of “litigation executive” or “legal manager”.
3. Mr Wilkes’ name does not appear on the firm’s headed notepaper, publicity material, website or external nameplates, save that Mr Wilkes is not precluded from having business cards bearing the firm’s contact details with his name and job title.
4. Mr Wilkes shall not supervise any other employee at Affinity Seven Law Solicitors Ltd.
5. The SRA is immediately informed of any proposed variation in Mr Wilkes’ duties, job title or his supervision arrangements, prior to any such variation being made.
6. This approval and the conditions attached to it are subject to review at the absolute discretion of the SRA.

Reasons/basis

Mr Wilkes was struck off the roll of solicitors on 29 May 2001. In accordance with Section 41 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.