Barjinder Kumar Sharma

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

The Respondent, a solicitor employed as a conveyancing consultant at Staniford Wallace, had conduct of three conveyancing transactions (122 O Drive, Flat C R Gardens, Flat 39 H Street). The Tribunal found he failed to notify lender clients of material facts (short leases, deposits paid direct, recent purchases at elevated prices, lack of control of funds), failed to register lender clients' charges in all three matters, and transferred £203,970 in the 122 O Drive remortgage without clear authority, relying on documents he knew to be inadequate including false office copy entries showing no charge when an Abbey National charge existed. He also failed to comply with undertakings via a certificate of title. Both allegations were proved to the higher standard. The Tribunal expressly found the Respondent had acted dishonestly under the Twinsectra test. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay £15,000 costs (not enforceable without leave).

Duties found breached:

• No conflict between current clients
• Safeguard documents and limit liens

Aggravating factors:

• Findings of dishonesty across multiple transactions
• Reliance on false/fraudulent office copy entries
• Transfer of large sum of mortgage funds to a third party without proper authority
• Failure to respond to the SRA's investigation report
• Previous appearance before the Tribunal (October 2009)

Mitigating factors:

• Ill health - receiving treatment for depression and under stress
• Claimed to have been used by Mr Callard who had absconded
• Personal and financial difficulties; previous partner had stolen £1.8m and absconded
• Short period at the firm (four months)