Katherine Alexander-Theodotou

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

Dr Katherine Alexander-Theodotou, sole principal of Highgate Hill Solicitors, was found to have made false and misleading statements on two professional indemnity insurance applications (2020 and 2021) by failing to disclose three SRA forensic investigations and reports, two Legal Ombudsman awards, and ongoing/certified Tribunal (Rule 12/Rule 14) proceedings. The Tribunal found both Rule 14 allegations proved, together with express findings of dishonesty (applying Ivey), lack of integrity, and breach of public trust. Her defences (ill-health/visual impairment, delegation to staff, belief SRA had no jurisdiction, belief broker already knew) were all rejected. No exceptional circumstances were found. She was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £124,830. The Rule 12 allegations were stayed with liberty to restore. Her subsequent High Court appeal was dismissed.

Duties found breached:

• Honesty
• Integrity
• Uphold public trust in the profession

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonest conduct
• Deliberate, calculated and repeated (in 2020 and 2021)
• Consistently blamed others (deceased staff member NB, junior staff member AK, broker Mr Jones, third parties, and the SRA)
• Complete lack of insight - maintained she had done nothing wrong and would complete the forms the same way again
• Senior and experienced solicitor who ran her own firm and held all managerial/compliance roles
• Placed Cypriot litigation claimants at risk