Fawzia Amtul-Habib Shuttari

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

Fawzia Amtul-Habib Shuttari, a sole practitioner solicitor, faced allegations of failing to comply with a July 1997 direction of the Client Relations Casework Appeals Sub Committee, failing to reply to correspondence from the Office and the Legal Aid Board, and unreasonable delay in assisting the Legal Aid Board with enforcement of a costs order. The Tribunal found all allegations substantiated (conduct unbefitting a solicitor). She had two prior disciplinary appearances (1995 and 1999). The Tribunal ordered indefinite suspension commencing 18 November 2000 unless she complied with the 1997 Direction by that date, in which case a £10,000 fine (in addition to the £10,000 fine from November 1999) would be substituted. She was ordered to pay costs of £1,790.45. The Direction was ordered to be treated as a High Court order for enforcement. No dishonesty was found or alleged.

Duties found breached:

• Avoid wasting the court's time
• No improper communication with the court
• Advise on alternatives, settlement and outcome
• No improper solicitation or touting

Aggravating factors:

• Two earlier appearances before the Tribunal (1995 and 1999) for similar failings
• Arrogant disregard for duties and obligations as a solicitor
• Continued flouting of a direction made by her own professional body
• Inconvenience and expense caused to Legal Aid Board and the Office, preventing them from fulfilling their duties

Mitigating factors:

• Serious ill health from 1998 into early 1999, describing her mind as 'woolly'
• Had to close her office to the public, unable to appoint a locum
• Considerable personal debt
• Apologised for failures and gave assurances of future attentiveness