Find a regulatory and disciplinary proceedings solicitor

What are regulatory and disciplinary proceedings?

If your firm is suspected to have breached the professional guidelines that apply to your industry, you may have to face regulatory or disciplinary proceedings.

The details of these actions vary between industries and the bodies that govern them, but most involve an initial referral and subsequent investigation, followed by the possibility of interim orders and professional conduct hearings.

As well as causing stress and distraction for individuals within your business, regulatory and disciplinary proceedings can generate unwanted media interest and potentially damage the reputation of your firm.

At times like these it's vital to seek advice and assistance from experienced disciplinary solicitors to ensure that the damage to your business is minimised and your defence against any allegations is as strong as it can be.

Who is responsible for regulatory and disciplinary proceedings?

Each professional sector has its own regulatory authority, and if you are facing disciplinary proceedings it is important that you seek advice and representation from a solicitor with experience in liaising with the authority relevant to your profession.

For example, specialist healthcare solicitors via First4Lawyers can represent doctors in proceedings brought by the General Medical Council, and handle cases involving surgical errors, clinical incidents, misconduct and breaches of conditions of practice.

Doctors can require advice during the initial referral and investigation stage of disciplinary proceedings, and we’re able to provide that along with representation at interim orders panel hearings and fitness to practice panel hearings.

Other healthcare regulatory bodies require a wholly different approach, and if you are a dental technician or dentist facing investigation by the General Dental Council, for example, then you will need to ensure your solicitor has experience of handling this type of investigation.

Solicitors available through First4Lawyers know the law inside out, and can assist you with regulatory and disciplinary proceedings no matter your profession.

My business is the subject of regulatory and disciplinary proceedings – what should I do?

Get in touch with us as soon as possible and we'll review your case and match you to the relevant specialist solicitor for your situation.

Your representative can guide you through the necessary steps to building your defence. This might involve drafting a response to the complaints made against you, preparing evidence and reports, attending hearings, and addressing issues such as data protection, human rights, confidentiality and reputation management.