Ian Muir Jewell

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

The respondent, a non-practising solicitor on the Roll, forged the signature of a third party (Mr C) on a conveyancing transfer document and witnessed that signature himself, to assist a friend complete a property transaction. He admitted the forgery but denied dishonesty. The Tribunal found all allegations substantiated, including an express finding of dishonesty, holding that a solicitor could not honestly believe he could properly forge a third party's signature even if for another's benefit. Taking into account his unfavourable disciplinary history (1984 accounts breaches with a £1,000 penalty; 1996 five-year suspension for practising while uncertificated), the Tribunal struck him off the Roll and ordered agreed costs of £3,161.55.

Duties found breached:

• Honesty
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper solicitation or touting

Aggravating factors:

• Forgery represented misconduct at the most serious end of the scale
• Unfavourable disciplinary history including a 1984 finding (£1,000 penalty for accounts rule breaches) and a 1996 five-year suspension for practising while uncertificated
• Conduct seriously damaging to the profession's reputation for probity, integrity and trustworthiness

Mitigating factors:

• Admissions of the facts and allegations (save dishonesty)
• No personal profit, gain or ulterior motive
• Acted to assist a friend; the only person to benefit was Mr C who received £200,000
• Did not hide his actions - witnessed the forged signature with his own name
• Complaint made some six years after the event
• Two testimonials attesting to his integrity
• Trial judge accepted there was no criminal intent and made no referral
• Poor health following a serious accident; living on disability benefits
• Unreserved apology and remorse