Gary Parkinson

Decision - Employee-related decision

Outcome: Approval of employment (section 41)

Outcome date: 16 October 2016

Published date: 2 November 2016

Firm details

Firm or organisation at time of matters giving rise to outcome

Name: Boyes Turner LLP

Address(es): Abbots House, Abbey Street, Reading, RG1 3BD

Firm ID: 555453

Firm or organisation at date of publication

Name: Johnsons Solicitors Limited

Address(es): City Gate Business Centre, Southampton Street, Reading, RG1 2QW

Firm ID: 569070

Outcome details

This outcome was reached by SRA decision.

Decision details

Johnson Solicitors Limited have been granted permission under Section 41 of the Solicitors Act 1974 to employ Mr Gary Parkinson, subject to the following conditions:

1. Mr Parkinson's work will be directly supervised by Mr Ian Johnson and in his absence by Mr Tim Cliff.
2. Mr Parkinson's work is limited to that described in:
• the questionnaire signed by Mr Johnson dated 11 August 2016;
• letter from Mr Johnson dated 12 August 2016 with attached job description and supervision arrangements.
3. Mr Parkinson does not hold, receive or have access to client money, or act as a signatory to any client or office account, or have the power to authorise electronic transfers from any client or office account.
4. Mr Parkinson is not to hold himself out as a solicitor. Mr Parkinson's status as a non-solicitor must be made clear to clients.
5. Mr Parkinson shall not supervise any other employee at Johnson Solicitors Limited.
6. Mr Parkinson's name will not appear on the firm's headed notepaper, website, publicity material or external name plate.
7. The SRA is immediately informed of any proposed variation in Mr Parkinson's duties or his supervision arrangements, prior to any such variation.
8. This approval and the conditions attached to it are subject to review at the absolute discretion of the SRA.

For definitions, please refer to the defined terms set out in the SRA Handbook Glossary 2012.

Reasons/basis

Mr Parkinson was suspended from practice for a period of six months by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal on 28 July 2016. 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.