Simon James Shaw

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

The Respondent, an unadmitted person, obtained employment with DWF Solicitors by representing himself in his CV and throughout the recruitment process to be a solicitor, and continued to maintain that deception during his employment. He had previously been a trainee at Hill Dickinson, which declined to certify him for admission. The Tribunal found the allegation substantiated, holding that misrepresenting himself as a solicitor was a serious matter, and made a Section 43 order plus fixed costs. He did not appear and made no submissions. The Tribunal made no express finding of dishonesty (the conduct was characterised as misleading/deceitful and not being frank).

Duties found breached:

• Honesty
• Professional independence

Aggravating factors:

• Intentionally giving a false impression that he was a solicitor
• Continued the deception throughout his employment