Ravi Sidhu

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

Mr Ravi Sidhu, a barrister called in 1988, was found to have acted dishonestly by issuing five invoices on Citadel Chambers letterhead outside the chambers system for work done for client Ms Rees in an inquest matter, directing payment into his personal bank account to avoid paying chambers rent (over £6,000), and creating a misleading impression that the matter was being conducted through Chambers. The Tribunal found Charges 1 and 3 (both involving dishonesty under Core Duty 3) proved, applying the Ivey test. His defence of an honest mistake (confusion with coronial/judicial sitting fees) was rejected as inconsistent. The case fell within Misconduct Group A dishonesty, for which disbarment is the sanction at all levels. He was disbarred and ordered to pay £3,000 costs.

Duties found breached:

• No conflict between current clients

Aggravating factors:

• Financial motivation/intended financial gain
• Harm caused to a vulnerable client (Ms Rees) at a difficult time following her mother's death
• Adverse effect on the client in a personal capacity
• Undermining public confidence in the profession
• Deliberate breach of Chambers policy without seeking authorisation

Mitigating factors:

• Some remorse/apology expressed
• Waiver of the final invoice fee
• Repayment of rent owed to Chambers once matters came to light
• Good character and references
• Now retired and drawing a modest pension
• Attempted to secure pro bono representation for the client