Rachel Whiteley

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

Rachel Whiteley, a solicitor's 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, and dishonestly misappropriated monies and obtained salary and sick pay she was not entitled to while at Wragge & Co. She admitted the allegations, which the Tribunal found substantiated, including express findings of dishonesty. The Tribunal made a Section 43 order controlling her future employment in the solicitors' profession and ordered her to pay costs of £910.62.

Duties found breached:

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

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted the allegations and made frank written admissions
• Repaid the misappropriated monies
• Apologised to both firms affected
• Undertook counselling for stress and anxiety following an accident and loss of her right eye
• Behaviour said to be out of character