Tom Kwing Ming Li

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

Mr Li, a solicitor, was instructed by two clients (Ms YQM and Mrs YTL) to make immigration applications but never submitted any applications. Over several years he dishonestly misled them and others into believing the applications had been made and were progressing, and fabricated a Home Office letter and a residence vignette. He failed to cooperate with the SRA investigation, requiring a High Court order. The Tribunal proceeded in his absence after refusing an adjournment. All allegations including dishonesty (under the Ivey test) were found proved beyond reasonable doubt. Absent exceptional circumstances, the Tribunal struck him off the Roll and ordered him to pay £37,500 in costs.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• No conflict between current clients
• Cooperate openly with regulators
• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues

Aggravating factors:

• Conduct was dishonest and repeated over many years
• Fabrication of an official Home Office document
• Clients remained in the UK unlawfully for several years as a result; one client unable to attend her father's funeral or visit her sick mother-in-law
• Failure to cooperate with the regulator, requiring High Court enforcement proceedings
• Advanced false explanation of a fictional 'appointed agent'