Paul Normandale
Solicitor
104437

Decision - Agreement

Outcome: Regulatory settlement agreement

Outcome date: 9 June 2025

Published date: 11 June 2025

Firm details

Firm or organisation at time of matters giving rise to outcome

Name: Aston Gowman Limited

Address(es): 1000 Great West Road, Brentford, TW8 9DW

Firm ID: 644277

Outcome details

This outcome was reached by agreement.

Decision details

1. Agreed outcome

1.1 Mr Paul Tennant Normandale ('Mr Normandale'), a solicitor and owner of Aston Gowman Limited ('the Firm'), agrees to the following outcome to the investigation of his conduct by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA):

1. he is rebuked
2. to the publication of this agreement
3. he will pay the costs of the investigation of £300.

2. Summary of Facts

2.1 On 7 June 2024, the SRA intervened into the practice of Mr Normandale, including but not limited to his practice at the Firm. An Adjudication Panel made the decision to intervene because,

'Mr Normandale as a manager of the firm, and the firm itself, have failed to comply with the SRA Code of Conduct for Firms (2019), and the SRA Code of Conduct for Solicitors (2019) which are rules applicable to him as a manager of the firm, and the firm itself, by virtue of section 9 of the Administration of Justice Act 1985 (as amended) (paragraph 32(1)(a) of Schedule 2 of that Act).

It is necessary to intervene to protect the interests of clients (or former or potential clients) of the firm (paragraph 32(1)(e)(i) of the Administration of Justice Act 1985 (as amended).'

2.2 This followed the SRA receiving three reports from third parties experiencing difficulties contacting the firm, which led to an on-site forensic inspection.

2.3 During the investigation, the following concerns were identified:

1. Mr Normandale failed to ensure there was a proper system in place for the firm to be managed and client files to be properly supervised.
2. Mr Normandale failed to discharge his duties as COLP and COFA effectively.
3. During the FI inspection, Mr Normandale failed to provide the FIO with accurate information regarding the number of files his firm held.
4. Mr Normandale failed to cooperate with the SRA's investigation including failing to comply with two production notices.

3. Admissions

3.1 Mr Normandale admits, and the SRA accepts, that through his conduct he has breached:

1. Rule 3.5 of the Code of Conduct for Solicitors, RELs, RFLs and RSLs

   'Where you supervise or manage others providing legal services

   1. you remain accountable for the work carried out through them; and;
   2. you effectively supervise work being done for clients'
2. Rule 7.4 of the Code of Conduct for Solicitors, RELs, RFLs and RSLs;

   'You respond promptly to the SRA and

   1. provide full and accurate explanations, information and documents in response to any request or requirement; and
   2. ensure that relevant information which is held by you, or by third parties carrying out functions on your behalf which are critical to the delivery of your legal services, is available for inspection by the SRA'
3. Principle 7 of the SRA Principles 2019

   'You act in the best interests of each client.'

4. Why a written rebuke is an appropriate outcome

4.1 The SRA's Enforcement Strategy sets out its approach to the use of its enforcement powers where there has been a failure to meet its standards or requirements.

4.2 When considering the appropriate sanctions and controls in this matter, the SRA has taken into account the admissions made by Mr Normandale in addition to there being no lasting harm to clients.

4.3 The SRA considers that a written rebuke is the appropriate outcome because:

1. by failing to ensure the firm was managed effectively, there was a clear disregard to the risk or potential risk of harm to clients,
2. by failing to fully comply with his regulator, Mr Normandale disregarded his obligations as a regulated solicitor,
3. the risk of repetition is low,
4. a public sanction is required to uphold public confidence in the delivery of legal services.

5. Publication

5.1 The SRA considers it appropriate that this agreement is published in the interests of transparency in the regulatory and disciplinary process. Mr Normandale agrees to the publication of this agreement.

6. Acting in a way which is inconsistent with this agreement

6.1 Mr Normandale agrees that he will not deny the admissions made in this agreement or act in any way which is inconsistent with it.

6.2 If Mr Normandale denies the admissions or acts in a way which is inconsistent with this agreement, the conduct which is subject to this agreement may be considered further by the SRA. That may result in a disciplinary outcome or a referral to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal on the original facts and allegations.

6.3 Denying the admissions made or acting in a way which is inconsistent with this agreement may also constitute a separate breach of principles 2 and 5 of the Principles and paragraph 7.3 of the Code of Conduct for Solicitors, RELs and RFLs.

7. Costs

7.1 Mr Normandale agrees to pay the costs of the SRA's investigation in the sum of £300. Such costs are due within 28 days of a statement of costs due being issued by the SRA.

Decision - Control of practice

Outcome: Termination of suspension of PC/registration

Outcome date: 4 September 2024

Published date: 8 October 2024

Firm details

Firm or organisation at time of matters giving rise to outcome

Name: Aston Gowman Limited

Address(es): 1000 Great West Road, Brentford, TW8 9DW

Firm ID: 644277

Outcome details

This outcome was reached by SRA decision.

Decision details

Paul Normandale's practising certificate for 2023/2024 is subject to the following conditions:

1. Mr Normandale shall not act as a manager or owner of an authorised body.
2. Subject to the first condition, Mr Normandale may act as a solicitor only as an employee and only where that employment has first been approved by the SRA.
3. Mr Normandale may not act as a compliance officer for legal practice (COLP) or compliance officer for finance and administration (COFA) for any authorised body.
4. Mr Normandale does not hold or receive client money, act as a signatory to any client or office account or have the power to authorise transfers from any client or office account.

In these conditions the terms are as defined in the SRA Glossary.

Reasons/basis

The above conditions are necessary in the public interest. They are reasonable and proportionate having regard to the purposes set out in regulation 7 of the SRA Authorisation of Individuals Regulations, and the regulatory objectives and principles governing regulatory activities as contained in section 28 of the Legal Services Act 2007.