Steven Lilly

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

Steven Lilly, a criminal defence solicitor, was found guilty of professional misconduct on two matters. Regarding client Mr A, he repeatedly and dishonestly told the incarcerated client (and briefed a colleague to the same effect) that an appeal to the Nobile Officium had been lodged and an interim liberation hearing scheduled, when nothing had been done — an express finding of dishonesty. Regarding client Mr B, he sent his personal bank details (a reckless error) and retained £600 in fees due to his employer, failing to repay them; the Tribunal found a breach of integrity but expressly deleted any reference to dishonesty on this matter (not meeting the Ivey test). Given the seriousness, the prior misconduct finding, and public protection concerns, the Tribunal struck him off the Roll. A later hearing awarded Mr B £1,000 compensation (£600 loss plus £400 distress). Respondent found liable for expenses of the Complainers and Tribunal (unquantified).

Duties found breached:

• Honesty
• No taking unfair advantage
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• No improper use of client money
• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues

Aggravating factors:

• Previous finding of professional misconduct (dated 11 March 2016)
• Course of dishonest conduct spanning about three months involving lying to client and colleague
• Conduct occurred while employed by supportive employer doing restricted criminal legal aid work
• Tribunal considered Respondent a danger to the public and risk to reputation of profession

Mitigating factors:

• Full cooperation with disciplinary process, including extensive Joint Minute
• Genuine remorse
• Personal circumstances and ill health (anxiety and depression) at the time
• Mr A lost no right of recourse to the court and sum involving Mr B was small