Audrey Donaghue

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

Audrey Donaghue, admitted 2000, was found guilty of conduct unbefitting a solicitor for providing misleading CVs and false referees to prospective employers over about four years, and for submitting a statutory declaration to The Law Society bearing false signatures (a forged document). The Respondent admitted the allegations in writing but did not appear. The Tribunal made an express finding of dishonesty, holding that ordinary members of the public and the profession would regard her conduct as dishonest and that she knew it was dishonest at the time. Although she cited mental health issues, no formal medical evidence was provided. She was struck off and ordered to pay £8,000 costs.

Duties found breached:

• Cease acting on client perjury or disobedience
• No improper solicitation or touting

Aggravating factors:

• Falsification occurred over a period of approximately four years
• Falsified information connected with her work as a solicitor including forged statutory declaration and lies about availability of referees

Mitigating factors:

• Respondent reported ill health, a breakdown, and a diagnosis of manic depression (Bi Polar Disorder)