Lawson Akhigbe

Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision

The Respondent, a solicitor admitted in 2007, falsely represented to a client (Mrs Sanni), opposing solicitors (GT Stewart), and the Clerkenwell and Shoreditch County Court that Kingsville Law Solicitors was representing Mrs Sanni, using the firm's letterhead, address and SRA number when he had no affiliation with the firm. He practised as a solicitor outside the SRA Practice Framework Rules, and having accepted a £250 fixed fee to challenge a bill of costs, failed to take any steps, leaving Mrs Sanni exposed to a costs order of £7,667. The Tribunal found all allegations proved on the balance of probabilities, including an express finding of dishonesty under the Ivey test. The Respondent did not serve an Answer and largely did not participate in the hearing. Finding high culpability and harm and no exceptional circumstances under Sharma/James, the Tribunal ordered strike-off and costs of £20,070.96.

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead the court
• Integrity
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Act in the client's best interests
• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank
• Comply with rules of foreign jurisdictions

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonest conduct that was deliberate and calculated
• Misconduct persisted over a period of about 6 months
• Motivated by personal and financial self-interest
• Lack of genuine insight, no open or frank admissions, limited co-operation with regulator
• Previous disciplinary finding in 2012 (fine and costs against former firm)
• Prevarication and 'ostrich mentality' - failure to engage