Rajinder Heer

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

Rajinder Heer owned and ran Coventgate Law Ltd. In 2021 he was unable to obtain professional indemnity insurance but continued practising after the cessation period, in breach of the SRA Indemnity Insurance Rules. The Tribunal found he deliberately and dishonestly concealed the lack of insurance and his non-compliance from the SRA, intervention agents, a third-party firm (HCR) and his clients, while continuing to act on client matters and complete transactions. He also failed to maintain proper books of account, reconciliations and Accountants' Reports. All three allegations were proved in full, including express findings of dishonesty (Ivey test) and lack of integrity. Heer did not engage with proceedings or attend. Finding no exceptional circumstances (James/Sharma), the Tribunal struck him off the Roll and ordered costs of £10,966.36.

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Professional indemnity insurance

Aggravating factors:

• Conduct was deliberate, planned, repeated and continued over several months
• Dishonest statements/omissions made to multiple audiences: regulator, intervention agents, third party and clients
• Involved a large number of clients
• Respondent was experienced and held all relevant compliance roles (COLP and COFA) as owner of the firm
• Deliberately misled the regulator

Mitigating factors:

• Difficult personal circumstances and health issues referred to in representations to the SRA
• No evidence of specific harm to individuals or claims to the SRA Compensation Fund