Mohamed Farah

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

Mohamed Farah, a non-solicitor employed by Khans Solicitors, drafted a 'Deed-Poll/Statutory Declaration for Change of Date of Birth' for a client and described himself on it as 'Mohamed Farah, LLB, Lawyer' and 'Solicitor for Oaths', witnessing the declaration although unqualified to do so. The Tribunal found the allegations substantiated and that he acted recklessly. The Applicant withdrew the dishonesty allegation after discussion. The Tribunal made a Section 43 order controlling his future employment in the profession and ordered him to pay costs (to be assessed unless agreed; Applicant had sought £2,500).

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• No improper communication with the court

Aggravating factors:

• Failure to grasp fundamental requirements regarding execution of statutory declarations
• Did not ask employers whether it was permissible to witness such a document

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted the facts
• Apologised and characterised it as an honest mistake
• Nothing similar had happened before
• Order would not affect his current employment