Simon Kennett Gurr

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

The Respondent, a solicitor and partner at the Firm, admitted Allegation 1.3: that between 11 and 15 October 2019 he provided misleading information to colleagues (the COLP and COFA) about whether and when he had reported a client matter to the Firm's professional indemnity insurers. He had falsely claimed to have notified the insurers in July/August 2019 when in fact he did not do so until 14 October 2019, and gave a further false account about copying text from an earlier email. He expressly admitted his conduct was dishonest. The matter was dealt with on the papers by way of an Agreed Outcome. Allegations 1.1 and 1.2 (alleging backdating/misleading the Senior Courts Costs Office) were withdrawn with the Tribunal's consent. The Tribunal found a reprimand, fine or suspension insufficient and struck the Respondent off the Roll of Solicitors, ordering him to pay agreed costs of £15,000 (including VAT). He also undertook never to apply for readmission.

Duties found breached:

• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonest conduct
• Repeated false statements made over the course of two meetings (11 and 15 October 2019)
• Provided further false information when challenged, seeking to conceal the issue
• Experienced solicitor admitted since 1987

Mitigating factors:

• 32 years as a solicitor with no previous disciplinary action (non-agreed mitigation)
• Stated he was in a state of shock and panicked when confronted unexpectedly by partners (non-agreed)
• Cooperation by agreeing the outcome and undertaking never to apply for readmission