Samina Ahmed

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

Samina Ahmed, a prison law solicitor at Tuckers Solicitors LLP, knowingly recorded false time entries on the firm's case management system between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022, logging 7,511.70 hours over 266 days (averaging 28.24 hours/day, including 133 days exceeding 24 hours). She continued after a warning on 7 April 2022. The false entries were used to bill the Legal Aid Agency, causing the LAA to overpay the firm £98,093.12, which the firm had to repay. She was motivated by the firm's bonus scheme (potentially earning £69,300, though no bonus was paid). The Tribunal found the allegation proved, expressly finding she acted dishonestly and without integrity, and struck her off the Roll, ordering costs of £5,000.

Duties found breached:

• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank
• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues

Aggravating factors:

• Conduct was dishonest and at the highest level of seriousness
• Continued misconduct even after being warned in a meeting on 7 April 2022
• Caused economic harm to the firm and the public purse (LAA overpaid £98,093.12)
• Motivated by financial gain via the firm's bonus scheme
• Senior solicitor and supervisor of trainees

Mitigating factors:

• Admissions made via Statement of Agreed Facts
• Modest financial means; single parent to three children
• Suffered mental health issues during the period