Lesley Wilkinson

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

Ms Wilkinson, a solicitor with conduct of two linked personal injury claims that had been struck out with costs orders against her clients, repeatedly failed to inform Mrs JH and Mrs LB of the true status of their claims and misled them over a sustained period, including where Sheriffs attended a client's home to enforce a costs order. She admitted all allegations including dishonesty. The Tribunal found the misconduct aggravated by proven and admitted dishonesty and, on an agreed outcome, struck her off the Roll and ordered £5,000 costs.

Duties found breached:

• Honesty
• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank

Aggravating factors:

• Repeated dishonesty over a period of at least three years
• Knowingly misled clients over a sustained period
• Deliberate, calculated and continued misconduct
• Concealed the actual status of clients' claims
• Experienced solicitor who understood implications of strike out and costs orders

Mitigating factors:

• 2017 was a difficult year professionally and personally
• Continued to work to support family throughout
• Sincere regret and remorse; apologised
• No repetition of conduct or pattern of misconduct
• Disciplined by employers who continue to support her
• Cooperated fully with internal and external investigations
• 33 years as a solicitor with no prior restrictions until January 2023