Amadin Nicholas Ekhorutomwen

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

The SRA alleged that on or around 31 May 2017 the Respondent, sole director of Johnson & Steller, provided false/misleading information in a costs schedule by overstating profit costs and litigant-in-person costs, with dishonesty (or alternatively recklessness) advanced as an aggravating feature. On profit costs, the Tribunal found the operative retainer was the hourly-rate client care letter of 2 May 2017, not a fixed fee, and that errors in correspondence were careless drafting rather than intent to mislead. On LiP costs, the Tribunal accepted the £8,500 figure was high but found a credible explanation based on verbal instructions, no evidence the lower-figure attachment was opened, and no personal/financial motive (guided by Fish v GMC). Both limbs were found not proved; the allegations were dismissed. By agreement, no order as to costs was made (the SRA had claimed £126,626.80).

Mitigating factors:

• Unblemished/good professional record
• Testimonial evidence from regulated professionals including senior members of the Bar
• Found to be a credible witness
• Candid in accepting responsibility for drafting errors