Mohamed Farah

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

The Respondent, a non-solicitor law graduate employed by Khans Solicitors, drafted an invalid 'Deed Poll/Statutory Declaration for Change of Date of Birth' and witnessed it, describing himself as 'Lawyer' with 'Solicitor for Oaths' beside his signature, giving the impression he was a qualified solicitor. The Law Society withdrew its dishonesty allegation, being satisfied he had not been dishonest. The Tribunal found the allegations substantiated and that he acted recklessly, making a Section 43 order and ordering him to pay costs (assessed unless agreed; Applicant sought GBP 2,500).

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• Not mislead third parties or opponents

Aggravating factors:

• Extraordinary/invalid nature of the document produced
• Failure to grasp fundamental matters that a Statutory Declaration must be made before an independent authorised person
• Did not ask employers whether it was acceptable to witness such a document

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted the facts
• Used a template stored on employer's computer
• Apologised and described it as an honest mistake
• No prior similar conduct
• Chairman of Waltham Forest Somali Community Organisation

⚠ figures not found verbatim in the source were dropped: ["review_dishonesty_finding_cue_present"]