§ discipline

Comparative analytics

Cross-jurisdiction patterns from 3,080 machine-extracted decision findings (1,198 with an express dishonesty finding). Sanction figures are extracted from the decisions and verified verbatim against the source; treat as research signal, not legal advice.

How breach of each duty is sanctioned

For decisions found to breach each duty: how many, average suspension & fine, and how often dishonesty was also found.

Duty breachedCasesAvg suspension (mo)Avg fineDishonesty
No improper use of client money1,074 24.1 56,447 502
No conflict between current clients1,007 16.3 120,057 426
Uphold public trust in the profession610 17.4 190,097 252
Accounting records, reconciliation and reports540 29.0 22,287 205
Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank487 14.0 48,620 287
Proper basis for allegations391 30.1 11,598 226
No improper communication with the court357 40.8 68,188 98
Prompt accounting and return of money347 37.6 9,059 131
Good faith and courtesy to colleagues331 8.9 152,856 163
No taking unfair advantage310 10.3 47,968 152
Integrity304 10.8 16,222 183
No baseless or threatened misconduct report290 12.1 125,763 94
No improper solicitation or touting281 5.5 6,964 143
Not mislead third parties or opponents223 62.9 25,934 117
Handle inadvertently received material220 21.2 37,633 87
Act in the client's best interests201 7.5 40,938 111
Not misrepresent regulated status191 15.4 79,365 72
Report serious misconduct of others181 8.4 142,276 56
Honour professional undertakings179 7.0 5,636 61
Honesty174 9.4 8,892 143
Not mislead the court161 7.8 63,957 69
Hold a current practising certificate132 12.0 37,390 42
Diligence and timeliness128 44.3 25,667 51
Advise on alternatives, settlement and outcome92 — 13,500 27
Keep client informed and respond promptly90 — 172,778 17
Professional indemnity insurance79 7.5 1,250 26
Self-report to the regulator73 45.0 35,080 32
Supervise staff and delegated work72 5.5 7,000 15
Segregate client money62 6.0 26,667 32
Act only on proper, lawful instructions62 9.0 73,900 19

Strike-off rate by duty & jurisdiction

Of cases engaging a duty (≥5 in that jurisdiction), the share resulting in strike-off / removal.

JurisdictionDutyCasesStrike-off %
EWHonesty1,75270.9%
EWAccounting records, reconciliation and reports1,09976.4%
EWIntegrity48964.2%
EWProfessional indemnity insurance40156.9%
EWHold a current practising certificate39360.1%
EWAct in the client's best interests39259.4%
EWDiligence and timeliness35852.8%
EWKeep client informed and respond promptly35752.1%
EWUphold public trust in the profession33251.2%
EWHonour professional undertakings33057.6%
EWSelf-report to the regulator32452.2%
EWFirm governance, systems and compliance31765.9%
EWClient-care and engagement terms31055.8%
EWCooperate openly with regulators30453.0%
EWNo improper use of client money30375.9%
EWProfessional independence29956.2%
EWNo unlawful discrimination or harassment27845.7%
EWComplaints procedure and handling27749.5%
EWOverriding duty to the court27750.9%
EWComply with and respect court orders27352.0%
EWNot mislead the court26648.5%
EWNo improper benefit, loan or bequest26255.7%
EWPersonal probity and fitness to practise25847.7%
EWNo bribery or improper gifts25549.0%
EWDisclose material information to client24951.8%

Where dishonesty was found — the outcome

JurisdictionSanctionCases
EWStrike Off863
EWOther177
JMStrike Off41
SCOStrike Off26
EWConditions22
EWSuspension18
EWRestoration Refused14
CA-BCOther11
JMOther9
JMSuspension5
JMNone4
SCOOther3
SCORestoration Refused2
EWFine1
SCOSuspension1
CA-BCSuspension1