Lesley Wilkinson

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

On an agreed outcome dealt with on the papers, the SDT found that solicitor Lesley Wilkinson, while practising at Smith Jones (Solicitors) Ltd, told Mrs JH her claim was ongoing when she knew or ought to have known it was not (July 2017), and failed to inform Mrs LB that her case had been struck out and a costs order made against her (2018-2020). She admitted the allegations and that her conduct was dishonest. The Tribunal found express dishonesty, breaches of SRA Principles 2011 and 2019, and ordered her struck off the Roll with costs of £5,000.

Duties found breached:

• Act in the client's best interests
• No conflict between current clients
• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank

Aggravating factors:

• Proven and admitted dishonesty
• Failed to provide clients with proper information on more than one occasion
• In relation to Mrs LB, the situation persisted for over 2 years
• Attempted to conceal from clients the real status of their matters
• Knowingly misled clients over a sustained period of time