Ranjanadevi Uttamrao Nikam

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

The Respondent, admitted as a solicitor in February 2004 after passing the QLTT, practised as a sole principal from 13 September 2004. The Tribunal found proved two allegations that she practised when not permitted under her student visa (Sept-Oct 2004) and when holding no visa at all (Oct 2004-Oct 2007). A third allegation concerning her Rule 13 waiver application was not found proved. The Tribunal expressly found she had NOT acted dishonestly under the Twinsectra tests, accepting she believed her position would be regularised, but considered indefinite suspension appropriate given her unresolved immigration status. She was ordered to pay costs of £5,238.90.

Duties found breached:

• Hold a current practising certificate
• Comply with rules of foreign jurisdictions

Mitigating factors:

• Respondent believed errors had occurred and that her position would eventually be regularised
• Respondent had outstanding complaints with the Home Office and was concerned she had been given incorrect advice