John James

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

The Respondent solicitor was found to have caused/permitted a false representation to the SRA that a telephone conversation with an expert witness (Dr G) had taken place on 29 April 2010, and to have fabricated an attendance note to evidence that non-existent call, in breach of Rules 1.02 and 1.06. Relying on the expert's compelling evidence and telephone records, plus the chain of correspondence, the Tribunal found no such call took place. Dishonesty was found proved on both allegations 1.1 and 1.2 under the Twinsectra two-limb test. Allegation 1.3 (inaccurate attendance note) was dismissed as an alternative. The Respondent was struck off and ordered to pay costs of £13,908.78, not to be enforced without leave of the Tribunal.

Duties found breached:

• No conflict between current clients
• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty occurred over a period of time
• Made false representation to the regulator and repeated it in subsequent correspondence
• Fabricated an attendance note to support the false representation
• Changed his account of events throughout, undermining credibility

Mitigating factors:

• No previous disciplinary findings
• Positive testimonials as to professional good character
• No mitigation advanced as the Respondent expected the most serious sanction