Ayub Bhailok; Robert Michael Fielding; Bhailok Fielding Solicitors
JurisdictionEngland & Wales
BodySolicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT)
Professionsolicitor
Case number12548/2024
Date11/10/2024
OutcomeFine
Allegation / charges
Breaches, Code of Conduct 2011, Code of Conduct for Firms 2019, Code of Conduct for Solicitors, REL's & RFL's 2019, Failures, Money Laundering Regulations, Solicitors Accounts Rules 2011, SRA Principles 2011, SRA Principles 2019
Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision
SanctionFine
FineGBP 12,000
CostsGBP 22,000
Dishonesty foundNo
Duties found breached:
- Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank
- No conflict between current clients
- No improper use of client money
- Prompt accounting and return of money
- AML and crime-prevention compliance
- Not misrepresent regulated status
Aggravating factors:
- High culpability - experienced solicitors in full control of their actions
- Misconduct was systematic and repeated over many years across a significant number of transactions
- Involved large sums of money (over £17 million in transfers identified)
- Respondents used their privileges as solicitors to promote Mr Bhailok's self-interest
Codes & rules applied
Duties engaged
- No bribery or improper gifts
- Personal probity and fitness to practise
- Uphold public trust in the profession
- No unlawful discrimination or harassment
- Act in the client's best interests
- Advise objectively, not a mere conduit
- Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank
- No conflict between current clients
- No improper use of client money
- Prompt accounting and return of money
- Maintain competence and CPD
- Firm governance, systems and compliance
- AML and crime-prevention compliance
- Not misrepresent regulated status