Joanne Jones
Solicitor
372425

Decision - Agreement

Outcome: Regulatory settlement agreement

Outcome date: 24 June 2025

Published date: 26 June 2025

Firm details

Firm or organisation at time of matters giving rise to outcome

Name: Eaton Smith LLP and Bromleys Solicitors LLP

Address(es): 14 High St, Huddersfield HD1 2HA (Eaton Smith LLP) and 50 Wellington Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6XL (Bromleys Solicitors LLP)

Firm ID: 462196 (Eaton Smith) and 558557 (Bromleys Solicitors LLP)

Firm or organisation at date of publication

Name: Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers Limited

Address(es): 31 Queen Street, Oldham, Lancashire, OL1 1RD

Firm ID: 660918

Outcome details

This outcome was reached by agreement.

Decision details

1. Agreed outcome

1.1 Joanne Louise Jones (Ms Jones) a solicitor of Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers Limited, agrees to the following outcome to the investigation of her conduct by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA):

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

2. Summary of Facts

2.1 Between 1 February 2021 and 21 July 2022, Ms Jones was employed by Eaton Smith Solicitors (Eaton Smith) as a solicitor in the Private Client Team.

2.2 Between 25 July 2022 and 10 September 2023, Ms Jones was employed as a solicitor by Bromleys Solicitors LLP (Bromleys), in the Private Client Team.

2.3 Upon leaving her employment with Eaton Smith, Ms Jones removed a substantial number of documents which contained client information without the permission or knowledge of the clients and/or Eaton Smith, and shared these with colleagues at Bromleys without proper reason.

3. Admissions

3.1 Ms Jones makes the following admissions which the SRA accepts:

1. she breached client confidentiality by removing and sharing documents containing client information from Eaton Smith without the knowledge or permission of the clients and/or the firm, contrary to paragraph 6.3 of the Code of Conduct for Solicitors, RELs, RFLs and RSLs
2. she failed to act in a way that upholds public trust and confidence in the solicitors' profession and in the legal services provided by authorised persons, breaching Principle 2 of the SRA Principles 2019.

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 Ms Jones and the following mitigation which she has put forward:

1. no harm was intended, any documents retained were intended to be used in a professional setting only
2. Ms Jones made a genuine error in judgement.

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

1. Ms Jones' conduct was reckless as to risk of harm and her regulatory obligations
2. Ms Jones has cooperated with the investigation
3. Ms Jones has demonstrated insight and remorse
4. there is a low risk of repetition
5. there has been no lasting or significant harm
6. 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. Ms Jones agrees to the publication of this agreement.

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

6.1 Ms Jones agrees that she will not deny the admissions made in this agreement or act in any way which is inconsistent with it.

6.2 If Ms Jones 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, RFLs and RSLs.

7. Costs

7.1 Ms Jones 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.