Stephen Brian Simmons

Decision - Control of practice

Outcome: Condition

Outcome date: 9 April 2024

Published date: 12 May 2024

Firm details

Firm or organisation at time of matters giving rise to outcome

Name: Brightstone Law LLP

Address(es): Brightstone House, 511 Centennial Park, Centennial Avenue, Elstree WD6 3FG

Firm ID: 488665

Firm or organisation at date of publication

Name: CVS Law Limited

Address(es): Argyle House, Joel Street, Northwood HA6 1NW

Firm ID: 613272

Outcome details

This outcome was reached by SRA decision.

Decision details

Stephen Simmon's practising certificate for 2023/2024 has been granted subject to the following conditions:

1. Stephen Simmons is not a manager or owner of any authorised body or authorised non-SRA firm.
2. Subject to the condition above, Stephen Simmons may act as a solicitor only as an employee, where the role has first been approved by us.

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

Reasons/basis

The above conditions are necessary in the public interest and 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.

Decision - Prosecution

Outcome: Referral to Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal

Outcome date: 28 February 2023

Published date: 28 April 2024

Firm details

Firm or organisation at time of matters giving rise to outcome

Name: Brightstone Law LLP

Address(es): Brightstone House, 511 Centennial Park, Centennial Avenue, Elstree WD6 3FG

Firm ID: 488665

Firm or organisation at date of publication

Name: CVS Law Ltd

Address(es): Argyle House, Joel Street, Northwood HA6 1NW

Firm ID: 613272

Outcome details

This outcome was reached by SRA decision.

Reasons/basis

This notification relates to a Decision to prosecute before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.  This is an independent Tribunal which will reach its own decision after considering all the evidence, including any evidence put forward by the Solicitor.  The Tribunal has certified that there is a case to answer in respect of allegations which are or include whilst practising as a solicitor at Brightstone Law LLP ('the Firm'), he:- 

1. Between approximately March 2014 and June 2020, failed to disclose to the Firm that he had been made subject to a Bankruptcy Order on 10 March 2014. 

2.  On or around the following dates, signed and submitted 'Annual Compliance Declaration' forms to the Firm, which falsely stated that he had not, nor had he ever, entered into an IVA: 

2.1. 21 February 2018;

2.2. 19 February 2019;

2.3. 18 February 2020.

3. Between approximately March 2014 and June 2020, failed to disclose to the SRA that he had been made subject to a Bankruptcy Order on 10 March 2014. 

4. Between approximately March 2015 and June 2020, failed to disclose to the SRA that he had been made subject to a Bankruptcy Restrictions Undertaking on 17 March 2015. 

5. From approximately 11 March 2014 to approximately June 2020, practised as solicitor whilst his Practising Certificate was suspended.    

The allegations are subject to a Hearing before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal and are as yet unproven. 

Decision - Control of practice

Outcome: Condition

Outcome date: 28 February 2023

Published date: 5 April 2023

Firm details

Firm or organisation at time of matters giving rise to outcome

Name: Brightstone Law LLP

Address(es): Brightstone House, 511 Centennial Park, Centennial Avenue, Elstree, WD6 3FG

Firm ID: 488665

Firm or organisation at date of publication

Name: CVS Law Limited

Address(es): Argyle House, Joel Street, Northwood, HA6 1 NW

Firm ID: 613272

Outcome details

This outcome was reached by SRA decision.

Decision details

Stephen Simmon's practising certificate for 2022/2023 has been granted subject to the following conditions:

1. Stephen Simmons is not a manager or owner of any authorised body or authorised non-SRA firm.
2. Subject to the condition above, Stephen Simmons may act as a solicitor only as an employee, where the role has first been approved by us.

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

Reasons/basis

The above conditions are necessary in the public interest and 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.

Decision - Control of practice

Outcome: Condition

Outcome date: 3 April 2022

Published date: 22 May 2022

Firm details

Firm or organisation at time of matters giving rise to outcome

Name: Brightstone Law Ltd

Address(es): Brightstone House, 511 Centennial Park Centennial Avenue Elstree WD6 3FG

Firm ID: 488665

Firm or organisation at date of publication

Name: CVS Law Limited

Address(es): Argyle House , Joel Street, Northwood HA6 1 NW

Firm ID: 613272

Outcome details

This outcome was reached by SRA decision.

Decision details

Stephen Simmons’ practising certificate for 2021/2022 has been granted subject to the following conditions:

1. Stephen Simmons is not a manager or owner of any authorised body or authorised non-SRA firm.
2. Subject to the condition above, Stephen Simmons may act as a solicitor only as an employee, where the role has first been approved by us.

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

Reasons/basis

The above conditions are necessary in the public interest and 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.