At 5KBW we have a strong track record of providing specialist advice and representation in regulatory and professional discipline cases, across a wide range of professions.

Our members are regularly instructed to provide expert advocacy in complex and sensitive regulatory matters, ensuring that clients – professionals and the regulatory bodies themselves – receive high-quality representation at every stage of proceedings. This includes representing clients in regulatory matters that follow on from, or have been adjourned until after, criminal proceedings.

Specialist expertise in regulatory professional discipline cases

We have extensive experience advising and representing professionals in various sectors:

Healthcare – including doctors, nurses, and other medical practitioners facing GMC, NMC, and HCPC proceedings
Education – including teachers and academics appearing before professional conduct panels
Financial services – including Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) regulatory investigations
Police and law enforcement personnel facing internal and external disciplinary proceedings
Legal professions – including professionals subject to disciplinary action by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and SRA
Other regulated industries, including engineering, surveying, accountancy, and sports governance

While primarily engaged as defence counsel in regulatory matters, members of 5KBW also represent regulatory bodies as prosecutors, helping to ensure that professional standards and ethics are requirements are rigorously enforced.

Disciplinary and fitness to practise proceedings

Members of 5KBW provide expert representation at all stages of professional disciplinary proceedings, from initial investigations to full hearings and appeals. We have extensive experience in:

Employers’ internal disciplinary procedures
Fitness to practise investigations and hearings
Misconduct and competence hearings
Appeals against regulatory decisions
Judicial reviews of regulatory body rulings

Our barristers combine in-depth legal knowledge with practical experience of regulatory proceedings, ensuring that individuals and organisations receive robust and strategic representation tailored to their specific needs.

Pre-investigation advice and regulatory compliance

Regulatory scrutiny can have serious consequences for individuals and organisations. Our barristers offer proactive legal advice to help clients navigate regulatory frameworks and minimise the risk of disciplinary action. We can assist with:

Regulatory compliance advice
Responses to investigations and regulatory inquiries
Early-stage strategy and risk management
Negotiations with regulatory bodies

We understand the reputational and professional risks associated with regulatory investigations and will work tirelessly to protect our clients’ interests.

Appeals and judicial review in regulatory cases

For professionals facing adverse regulatory decisions, we can provide expert guidance on appeals and judicial reviews. Our barristers have experience challenging findings of professional misconduct, securing reduced sanctions, and overturning unjust rulings in higher courts, including appearing in:

The High Court on statutory appeals against disciplinary body decisions
The Court of Appeal on professional regulatory matters
Judicial review proceedings involving regulatory bodies

Why choose us

At 5KBW, we offer first-class expertise in regulatory and professional discipline matters. We bring strategic insight and expert advocacy to every case. Whether advising on compliance, defending professionals at disciplinary hearings, or challenging regulatory decisions in court, we are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.

If you require specialist legal assistance in a regulatory or professional discipline case, please contact us to discuss how we can assist you.