Kayleigh O’Donnell

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

Kayleigh O'Donnell, a senior associate solicitor, sent letters to clients falsely attributing delays and the need to re-sign LPA registration forms to changes in the OPG's processes, when in fact she had submitted the wrong forms herself. She falsely stated the OPG had held documents for 'several months' when it was under six weeks. The Tribunal, on an agreed outcome, found her admitted conduct dishonest (breaching Principle 4) and lacking integrity, with recklessness aggravating two allegations. No exceptional circumstances existed to justify a lesser sanction, so she was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay £5,000 costs.

Duties found breached:

• Honesty
• Integrity
• No conflict between current clients

Aggravating factors:

• Conduct was reckless in relation to allegations 1.1.2 and 1.2
• Attempt to conceal her own errors from clients
• Experienced solicitor of some 10 years standing
• Deliberately provided misleading information to conceal that instructions had not been actioned

Mitigating factors:

• Considerable professional and personal stress during COVID, including family members' serious illness
• No previous complaints in over eight years of practice; out of character
• Self-reported by managing partner who continued to employ her and provided references
• Full cooperation with the firm and the SRA
• No financial gain and no direct financial loss to clients
• Genuine remorse