What is a regulatory lawyer? George Davies, Peter Steel and Richard Burger explain
Regulatory bodies are found in most fields in which a service is being provided to the public. While individual members of the public have always had a measure of protection by reliance on the common law, it now seems generally accepted that the work of professionals and other service providers should be overseen and uniform standards adhered to. When such standards are not met, disciplinary sanctions should follow.
Not all regulatory lawyers will find themselves bringing a case on behalf of a regulator or defending their client in a disciplinary tribunal. There is also the advisory lawyer, for example, with a specialisation in competition law, who advises on the regulatory aspects of a transaction, agreement or business operation. Corporate clients expect their legal advisers to guide them through what can be a regulatory minefield.
There are common elements which bring regulatory lawyers together. Whatever side you are on, ultimately the defendant/respondent/client could face a criminal, civil or disciplinary sanction if the regulatory proceedings go against them or
