Naresh Chopra

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

Naresh Chopra, a solicitor and manager/COFA of Nationwide Solicitors LLP with a controlling interest in Lillywhite Williams LLP, faced six allegations. The Tribunal found all proven. On Allegation 1.1 it found he dishonestly allowed Nationwide staff to undertake conveyancing work in the name of Lillywhite Williams to service clients whose lenders Nationwide was not panelled for, thereby misleading lenders. On the other allegations (improper provision of banking facilities through client account for diamond/fine art escrow transactions, lending credibility to dubious transactions, conflicts of interest acting for his own company TN Ltd as lender and borrower, improper inter-client transfers and improper withdrawals from client account) the Tribunal found breaches and a serious lack of integrity but did NOT find dishonesty. Given the dishonesty finding (no exceptional circumstances under SRA v Sharma) and his prior strike-off and restoration, the Tribunal struck him off the Roll and ordered costs of £65,977.41.

Duties found breached:

• Act in the client's best interests
• Integrity
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Not misrepresent regulated status
• Uphold public trust in the profession

Aggravating factors:

• Express finding of dishonesty in misleading lenders
• Conduct was deliberate, calculated and repeated over a long period
• Knew or ought to have known conduct breached obligations to protect public and profession
• Previous appearance before the Tribunal having been struck off in 1993 (contempt of court conviction; destroying/altering documents relating to alleged mortgage fraud)
• High culpability with direct control
• Caused serious harm to lenders and investors and to reputation of profession

Mitigating factors:

• Made some admissions (on the first day of the hearing)
• Provided a number of character references/testimonials
• No financial loss to clients established