Joanna Wendy Elizabeth Millar and Laura Ray Campbell

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

The Council alleged professional misconduct against two solicitors (First Respondent Joanna Millar and Second Respondent Laura Campbell) arising from acting for a purchaser (the Secondary Complainer, Hamza Sheikh) in the 2020 auction purchase of 'the Hurlet' from Company 1, having previously acted for Company 1 in 2019 in the purchase and leaseback of the same property, while Company 1 remained a client of their firm Gilson Gray. The alleged breaches were acting in an actual conflict of interest (Rule B1.7.1), a potential conflict (Rule B1.7.2), and failure to communicate effectively (Rule B1.9.1). The Tribunal found no actual or potential conflict of interest established, given the narrow scope of instructions (transfer of title and assignation of a personal guarantee following a concluded auction contract) and no evidence of confidential information adverse to the purchaser. It found a breach of Rule B1.9.1 (failure to disclose prior/ongoing involvement with Company 1) but concluded this did not meet the Sharp test for professional misconduct. Both Respondents were found not guilty of professional misconduct; the matter under paragraph 5.2.3 was remitted to the Law Society under s.53ZA for possible unsatisfactory professional conduct. No dishonesty was found. No award of expenses was made beyond those already pronounced (earlier procedural awards on an agent/client basis at £18 unit rate). Publicity was directed including the names of both Respondents and the Secondary Complainer.

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court