Nicholas John Peterken

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

The Respondent, an experienced solicitor whose regulated firm closed in 2011, set up an unregulated company (Nick Peterken Law) but continued carrying out reserved legal activities (numerous HMLR conveyancing registration applications and exercising a right of audience at Leeds County Court) without authorisation, breaching Rule 1.1 SPFR and Principle 7. He provided misleading information to two SRA Forensic Investigation Officers (Feb 2012 and May 2015) and an SRA Supervisor (Aug 2014) by falsely stating he was not undertaking reserved legal work. The Tribunal found all allegations proved (save the statutory declaration aspect of Allegation 1.1) including dishonesty under the Ivey test in respect of Allegations 1.2 and 1.3. The hearing proceeded in his absence after his adjournment application was refused. The Tribunal found his culpability high, no exceptional circumstances, and ordered him struck off the Roll plus costs of £16,116.38.

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• Not misrepresent regulated status
• Proper basis for allegations
• Uphold public trust in the profession

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty proved
• Misconduct deliberate, calculated and repeated over a period of time
• Concealment of wrongdoing
• Knew conduct was in material breach of obligations to protect the public and reputation of profession
• Misled his regulator
• Financial motivation
• Breach of position of trust as officer of the court
• Failed to comply with S.44B Notice / lack of cooperation