Feisal Mohammed Raza Sheikh; Maxim Solicitors Limited

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

The SRA brought proceedings against solicitor Feisal Sheikh (consultant) and Maxim Solicitors Limited. The matter was resolved by an Agreed Outcome. The First Respondent admitted Allegation 1.1 (improper use of client account as a banking facility / failure to return client money promptly, relating to ledger FS19815 - retention of £99,518.84 for 12-13 months). The Second Respondent admitted Allegations 2.1 (same banking facility conduct) and 2.4 (failure to maintain client/matter AML risk assessments on five files). Various other allegations (2.2, 2.3) and aspects of 1.1/2.1 were withdrawn. The Tribunal assessed culpability as low for both, with no actual harm but potential risk. No dishonesty was alleged or found. The First Respondent was fined £5,000 and ordered to pay £2,500 costs; the Second Respondent was fined £5,000 and ordered to pay £3,000 costs.

Duties found breached:

• No improper use of client money
• Report serious misconduct of others

Aggravating factors:

• First Respondent should have known as an experienced solicitor that his conduct was a material breach of obligation