New figures obtained through a freedom of information request by London law firm Hickman & Rose and first reported by the Law Society Gazette reveal that 109 reports of sexual misconduct were made to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in 2024 — the highest ever recorded in a single year.
The trend shows no signs of slowing in 2025, with 25 additional reports filed in the first three months alone.
Despite the increase in reports, the vast majority of cases are being closed without formal sanctions. Since 2023, the SRA has closed 185 sexual misconduct cases, but only 26 resulted in regulatory action, leaving 159 cases dismissed with no further steps taken.
The figures raise concerns about the evidential burden required to progress such cases, and the capacity of the regulator to address misconduct that often occurs in private or difficult-to-prove circumstances.
In 2023, the SRA cited “insufficient evidence” as the reason for closing 40% of cases. That proportion fell to 11% in 2024, but overall action remains limited.
Andrew Katzen, head of regulatory law at Hickman & Rose, said the figures illustrate both the complexity of sexual misconduct investigations and the potential shortcomings in how cases are being handled.
“These cases are rarely simple. They can last a long time, require careful consideration, and can be emotionally draining for all parties,” he told the Law Society Gazette.
“The fact that a large proportion of these cases are being closed by the SRA with no further action illustrates the complexity of the issues involved. It also raises questions about whether the regulator is choosing the right cases to investigate.”
The increase in reporting is seen by some as a sign that awareness and willingness to speak out is improving. However, the low rate of regulatory action risks undermining confidence in the profession’s ability to handle such serious allegations transparently and effectively.
Critics have suggested that clearer guidance, more support for complainants, and a better-resourced investigative process may be necessary to ensure victims of misconduct are not discouraged from coming forward.
The SRA have cited complainants not wanting to go through the process of an investigation as one of the main factors for cases not progressing as they should.
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