Jack Anthony Medlicott

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

Jack Anthony Medlicott, a partner at MSB Solicitors, signed two leases between 26 and 27 April 2022 falsely confirming that he had witnessed the signature of Person B, when Person B was not present, had not signed the leases, and whom the Respondent had never met. He had initially refused his client's request but agreed after being asked to do a "favour". The Tribunal, dealing with the matter on the papers by way of Agreed Outcome, found the admissions properly made and held that the only appropriate and proportionate sanction was to strike him off the Roll. The Respondent later assisted police and testified as a prosecution witness against the client, who was convicted and sentenced to 16 years imprisonment.

Duties found breached:

• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues
• Honesty
• Integrity
• Uphold public trust in the profession

Aggravating factors:

• Misconduct was deliberate and involved two documents
• Although the act of signing was brief, the Respondent did not correct the position until several months later
• Experienced solicitor and a partner with almost seven/eight years' post-qualification experience
• Direct control and responsibility for the circumstances giving rise to the misconduct
• Potential for significant harm as it gave the impression the leases had been validly executed

Mitigating factors:

• Cooperated with the SRA throughout the investigation
• Self-reported / brought matters to the attention of the Firm
• Assisted the police and testified as a prosecution witness against Client A (non-agreed mitigation advanced by Respondent)