Scott Halborg

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

Scott Halborg, a solicitor of over 20 years' standing and the COLP/COFA and majority shareholder at Deals and Disputes Solicitors LLP, was found to have engaged in sustained improper litigation conduct between January 2021 and November 2023 during proceedings arising from a family dispute. He submitted proceedings/applications found to be totally without merit or an abuse of process, was made subject to two limited civil restraint orders and a general civil restraint order, and behaved in a manner that drew judicial criticism. He admitted breaches of Principles 1 and 2 and Code paragraphs 2.4 and 2.6, but contested integrity. The Tribunal found his conduct lacked integrity (Principle 5), assessed culpability as high, and rejected calls for a reprimand or fine. He was suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay £30,630 in costs. No express finding of dishonesty was made.

Duties found breached:

• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues
• Integrity
• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank

Aggravating factors:

• Respondent had over two decades of post-qualification experience and would have known his conduct breached regulatory obligations
• Held senior roles of COLP and COFA with enhanced responsibility for compliance
• Sustained and persistent pattern of conduct despite repeated judicial warnings
• Late-stage admissions made against a backdrop of sustained resistance and criticism of judicial findings, demonstrating limited insight

Mitigating factors:

• Unblemished regulatory record over two decades of practice
• Conduct arose from sensitive familial litigation during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Counsel had been instructed and endorsed issuing proceedings
• Expressed remorse and showed some movement in position by ceasing to contest most allegations
• Cooperated fully with the regulator
• Suffered significant financial and reputational consequences including indemnity costs orders exceeding £1 million