Andrew Pavlovic is a Partner specialising in SRA professional discipline and regulatory investigations.
Recognised by Legal 500 UK 2023 as a “Next Generation Partner” in the field of professional discipline, Andrew has substantial experience in advising firms and individuals that are subject to regulatory investigations or prosecutions. He has negotiated regulatory settlement agreements with the SRA, including in cases where serious allegations have been made, and has experience of conducting lengthy and complex proceedings before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
Andrew has recently had a number of instructions arising from sexual misconduct allegations, including acting for a former partner of a law firm in respect of an SRA investigation which was recently closed without the SRA taking any action. He has written a number of articles and spoken at webinars on this topic, and provides partner behavioural training to law firms on the recent SRA sexual misconduct guidance and workplace environment guidance.
Andrew often provides regulatory advice alongside our partnership/employment specialists, where internal investigations are taking place in relation to alleged misconduct which may trigger the requirement for either the firm or the individual to self report the matter to the SRA or other regulators.
At his previous firm Andrew acted for the Solicitors Regulation Authority (“SRA”) for several years, assisting in complex disciplinary proceedings before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal and subsequent appeals to the High Court, as well as cases where the SRA obtained injunctive relief (The Law Society (Solicitors Regulation Authority) v Dixit Shah (AKA Sanjay Shah) [2014] EWHC 4382 (Ch))
Andrew’s exposure to the methods of the SRA and their approach to cases puts him in a strong position when advising both firms and lawyers who are subject to such investigations.
Andrew also has strong expertise in commercial litigation. He has acted for a wide range of clients, including law firms and partners, high-net-worth individuals, companies, charities and regulators. He has considerable experience in professional negligence claims against solicitors, and edited the “Lawyers Liability” chapter of The Law of Legal Services and Practice (2nd edition). He also conducts civil fraud cases involving injunctive relief and is a member of the Commercial Fraud Lawyers Association. He advises on defamation and reputation management issues, including claims pursuant to the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
Andrew was admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales in September 2010.