§ discipline

Comparative analytics

Cross-jurisdiction patterns from 3,080 machine-extracted decision findings (1,188 with an express dishonesty finding). Sanction figures are extracted from the decisions and verified verbatim against the source; treat as research signal, not legal advice.

How breach of each duty is sanctioned

For decisions found to breach each duty: how many, average suspension & fine, and how often dishonesty was also found.

Duty breachedCasesAvg suspension (mo)Avg fineDishonesty
No improper use of client money1,020 7.9 58,215 494
No conflict between current clients978 11.9 122,243 422
Uphold public trust in the profession607 14.1 190,097 251
Accounting records, reconciliation and reports525 7.8 21,447 205
Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank485 9.5 48,620 286
Proper basis for allegations386 11.0 11,598 225
No improper communication with the court346 30.0 68,188 97
Prompt accounting and return of money337 7.5 8,603 129
Good faith and courtesy to colleagues321 9.3 168,896 162
No taking unfair advantage308 12.4 47,968 152
Integrity304 10.8 16,222 183
No improper solicitation or touting280 2.0 6,964 143
No baseless or threatened misconduct report259 13.5 154,308 90
Not mislead third parties or opponents212 — 25,934 110
Handle inadvertently received material204 7.2 37,633 83
Act in the client's best interests201 7.5 40,938 111
Not misrepresent regulated status183 12.0 79,365 71
Honour professional undertakings178 7.0 5,636 60
Report serious misconduct of others176 10.8 152,255 56
Honesty172 11.1 8,892 142
Not mislead the court156 9.0 63,957 69
Hold a current practising certificate132 12.0 37,390 42
Diligence and timeliness124 12.0 25,667 49
Advise on alternatives, settlement and outcome92 — 13,500 27
Keep client informed and respond promptly90 — 172,778 17
Professional indemnity insurance79 7.5 1,250 26
Supervise staff and delegated work70 9.0 7,000 15
Self-report to the regulator63 32.2 31,350 31
Firm governance, systems and compliance62 8.8 108,362 19
Segregate client money62 6.0 26,667 32

Strike-off rate by duty & jurisdiction

Of cases engaging a duty (≥5 in that jurisdiction), the share resulting in strike-off / removal.

JurisdictionDutyCasesStrike-off %
EWHonesty1,75270.9%
EWAccounting records, reconciliation and reports1,09976.4%
EWIntegrity48964.2%
EWProfessional indemnity insurance40156.9%
EWHold a current practising certificate39360.1%
EWAct in the client's best interests39259.4%
EWDiligence and timeliness35852.8%
EWKeep client informed and respond promptly35752.1%
EWUphold public trust in the profession33251.2%
EWHonour professional undertakings33057.6%
EWSelf-report to the regulator32452.2%
EWFirm governance, systems and compliance31765.9%
EWClient-care and engagement terms31055.8%
EWCooperate openly with regulators30453.0%
EWNo improper use of client money30375.9%
EWProfessional independence29956.2%
EWNo unlawful discrimination or harassment27845.7%
EWComplaints procedure and handling27749.5%
EWOverriding duty to the court27750.9%
EWComply with and respect court orders27352.0%
EWNot mislead the court26648.5%
EWNo improper benefit, loan or bequest26255.7%
EWPersonal probity and fitness to practise25847.7%
EWNo bribery or improper gifts25549.0%
EWDisclose material information to client24951.8%

Where dishonesty was found — the outcome

JurisdictionSanctionCases
EWStrike Off863
EWOther177
JMStrike Off41
SCOStrike Off26
EWConditions22
EWSuspension18
EWRestoration Refused14
JMOther9
JMSuspension5
JMNone4
SCOOther3
SCORestoration Refused2
CA-BCOther2
EWFine1
SCOSuspension1