Robert Stevens

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

Robert Stevens, a paralegal (non-solicitor) at Coles Miller Solicitors, was found to have deliberately misled clients and colleagues about conveyancing matters, forged a fee earner's signature on a Certificate of Title, and falsely signed as though qualified as a solicitor/legal executive, then failed to respond to Law Society correspondence. He resigned before internal disciplinary action. The Tribunal, in his absence, found his conduct a matter of serious concern making it undesirable for him to be employed by a solicitor, and made a Section 43 order requiring Law Society permission for any future employment in legal practice, plus costs of £3,995.03. No express finding of dishonesty was recorded.

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead the court
• No improper communication with the court
• No taking unfair advantage
• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• Safeguard documents and limit liens