Wee Wei Fen

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

Wee Wei Fen, an advocate and solicitor of six years' standing, was convicted of one count of cheating and two counts of forgery and sentenced to four months' imprisonment. In show cause proceedings under ss 94A and 98 LPA, the High Court found all three offences involved dishonesty and fraud, including forging a court order, forging a bank cheque, settling a claim without client mandate, and misapplying client account moneys. Despite mitigating factors (stress, depression, no personal gain, no loss), the court held that in cases of proven dishonesty striking off is almost invariable, and ordered the respondent struck off the roll and to pay costs.

Duties found breached:

• Disclose adverse law to the court
• Proper basis for allegations
• No taking unfair advantage
• Personal probity and fitness to practise
• No improper use of client money
• Prompt accounting and return of money

Aggravating factors:

• Offences committed in her professional capacity as an advocate and solicitor, abusing her position
• Offence against the administration of justice by fabricating court documents
• Deliberate series of acts of deceit over several months
• Failed in duty to at least three clients, exposing them to civil and criminal risk

Mitigating factors:

• Under great stress and suffering depression, unable to cope with workload
• No pecuniary benefit gained and no monetary loss ultimately caused
• Good testimonials and educational background
• Apology and plea of guilt