Rachel Whiteley

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

Rachel Whiteley, a litigation clerk (not a solicitor), falsely represented to two firms (Wragge & Co. and Wollastons) that she had passed Institute of Legal Executives examinations and the Common Professional Examination, none of which was true. While at Wragge & Co. she misappropriated employer funds and obtained salary and sick pay she was not entitled to. The Tribunal found the allegations substantiated, with express findings of dishonesty, and made a Section 43 Solicitors Act 1974 order restricting her employment in the profession, plus fixed costs of £910.62.

Duties found breached:

• Personal probity and fitness to practise
• No improper use of client money

Mitigating factors:

• Frank admission and full cooperation; admitted allegations
• Wrote a frank letter recognising her dishonesty
• Repaid the misappropriated monies
• Apologised to both firms in writing and in person
• Undertook counselling
• Behaviour stated to be out of character, related to stress and anxiety following an accident and loss of her right eye