Louise Thomson

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

The SRA sought to withdraw allegations against the Respondent solicitor, a former training principal, on the basis of a Regulatory Settlement Agreement. She admitted breaches of Principle 7 and failures to achieve Outcome 10.3 relating to failing to perform her training principal obligations, failing to inform the SRA of a ~15 month absence and inability to supervise, and failing to inform the SRA she was ineligible during revocation of her practising certificate. A psychiatric report showed mental health difficulties affected her ability to comply with obligations. The SRA accepted she had not acted dishonestly or without integrity. Under the RSA she received a rebuke, a £2,000 fine and costs of £7,685.70 payable in instalments. The Tribunal permitted withdrawal of allegations subject to the signed RSA being filed.

Duties found breached:

• No taking unfair advantage
• Hold a current practising certificate
• No baseless or threatened misconduct report

Mitigating factors:

• Unblemished professional record since admission in 2006
• Mental health difficulties (supported by psychiatric report) adversely affected her judgement and ability to comply with obligations
• Co-operated fully with the investigation, responding within deadlines
• Self-reported her absence and enquired about extension to trainee's contract
• Transparent about lack of supervision
• Breaches not intentional or wilful and admitted
• Apologised for the breaches