John Kishin Navani

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

The SRA brought six allegations against the Respondent, a solicitor and partner at Criminal Defence Solicitors LLP, relating to conduct between June 2016 and February 2019 towards five women (Persons A-E) who worked at the Firm. Allegations 1.1-1.5 concerned inappropriate conduct, harassment and/or bullying; Allegation 1.6 concerned conduct towards Person E following a Christmas party that was alleged to be sexually motivated. The Tribunal found Persons A-E truthful and credible and the Respondent's evidence unconvincing, rejecting his suggestions of collusion or fabrication. Of 50 particulars across the six allegations, 43 were proved in their entirety, two were proved in part, and five were not proved. One allegation (1.6, re Person E) was found to be sexually motivated within the meaning of Basson v GMC. The Tribunal imposed a 12-month suspension, suspended for 24 months, plus a 24-month restriction on participating in recruitment interviews or disciplinary investigations at any solicitors' firm. The decision on sanction is subject to appeal by the Applicant to the High Court.

Duties found breached:

• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues
• Integrity
• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank
• Uphold public trust in the profession

Aggravating factors:

• Pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour escalating from minor incidents to serious matters
• Conduct directed at multiple junior/vulnerable staff (interns, pupils, paralegals)
• Abuse of position of seniority over complainants
• Use of threats such as blacklisting to control staff
• One allegation found to be sexually motivated