David James
Sykes
Solicitor
116513
Decision - Control of practice
Outcome: Condition
Outcome date: 6 July 2026
Published date: 7 July 2026
Firm details
Firm or organisation at date of publication
Name: Blackhurst Swainson Goodier LLP
Address(es): 3 & 4 Aalborg Square, Lancaster, LA1 1BJ
Firm ID: 524974
Outcome details
This outcome was reached by SRA decision.
Decision details
Mr Sykes has been granted permission to be employed at Blackhurst Swainson Goodier LLP
Mr Sykes' approval is strictly limited to employment as a Commercial Property Solicitor with Blackhurst Swainson Goodier LLP, where his role is described in correspondence dated 5 June 2026, 8 June 2026 and 11 June 2026.
Mr Sykes is approved to work as a Commercial Property Solicitor with Blackhurst Swainson Goodier LLP at their offices at 3 & 4 Aalborg Square Lancaster LA1 1BJ only. He must not carry out any work from home.
Mr Sykes is approved to carry out work solely on commercial property matters.
Mr Sykes is approved to meet clients and take instructions on commercial property matters
Mr Sykes is approved to provide legal advice on commercial property matters.
Mr Sykes must not authorise transactions. Mr Sykes will make requests for transactions to the cashiers. Two partners will check and approve before payment.
Mr Sykes shall liaise with a partner to gain approval for undertakings for any higher risk work.
The SRA is immediately informed of any proposed variation in Mr Sykes duties or his supervision arrangements. Any variation must not take place until permission is granted by the SRA.
Mr Sykes approval of employment is limited by his adherence to Tribunal restrictions as outlined in the Tribunal order dated 16 October 2012. Mr Sykes will continue to comply with the Tribunal restrictions applicable to Mr Sykes, including the requirement that any changes to his role or supervision arrangements are notified to the SRA in advance.
Mr Sykes must not practise on his own account or operate independently in the organisation's legal function.
This approval will lapse in the event of Mr Sykes leaving Blackhurst Swainson Goodier LLP. Any return to this firm in any employment capacity requires a fresh application to the SRA.
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.