Aloysius Igwebuike Obi

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

On a remitted re-consideration of sanction, the Tribunal reconsidered three allegations admitted and found proved on 26 October 2010: involvement in setting up an improper solicitor's firm, falsely witnessing a mortgage deed while falsely claiming to be a solicitor, and misrepresenting his involvement in the firm to the Law Society. The Tribunal found the conduct fell well below the required standards of integrity, probity and trustworthiness and was a very serious departure from professional standards. Counsel for the Respondent expressly noted there was no allegation of dishonesty, and the Tribunal made no express finding of dishonesty. The Tribunal concluded suspension was not appropriate despite the ~6.5 years already effectively struck off, and confirmed the strike-off. The Respondent's subsequent High Court appeal was dismissed.

Duties found breached:

• Cease acting on client perjury or disobedience
• Honesty
• Not misrepresent regulated status

Aggravating factors:

• Very serious misconduct causing serious damage to the reputation of the profession and public trust
• Misrepresentation to the regulator over a period of time
• Setting up a 'bogus' firm before being admitted as a solicitor

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted the allegations at an early stage at the second Tribunal hearing
• Relatively inexperienced
• Single episode of brief duration in a previously unblemished career
• No financial loss to the public
• Continued to keep abreast of current law by attending courses
• Had effectively been struck off and not practised for almost 6.5 years