Justin Johnson

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

Justin Johnson, admitted 1981, acting as a locum at Blakemores Solicitors, was found to have breached SAR Rule 19(2) by withdrawing costs from client account without prior written notification, to have raised bills of costs he knew or ought to have known could not be justified (substantial overbilling, with widespread cancellation by credit notes and block time recording of impossible hours), and to have failed to comply with the Costs Information and Client Care Code (Practice Rule 15). All allegations were substantiated. Dishonesty was not alleged or found. Citing the seriousness of the overbilling, concerns about fitness to practise and the duty to protect the public, the Tribunal imposed an indefinite suspension and ordered costs of £7,933.

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• Fair, reasonable and lawful fees

Aggravating factors:

• Substantial overbilling across numerous matters over a protracted period
• Total of £318,963.54 billed across 25 files, of which £165,598.33 (~25%) cancelled by credit notes
• Block time recording and impossible hours recorded (111.8 hours over four days, including 72 hours on one day)
• Artificially created appearance of greater work to enhance standing with partners
• Tribunal concern about fitness to practise and duty to protect the public
• Damage to the reputation of the solicitors' profession

Mitigating factors:

• Previously unblemished record; no prior negligence claims
• Health difficulties including acute depression and a breakdown requiring in-patient treatment
• Excessive workload and pressure at the firm
• Matrimonial difficulties
• Admitted the allegations in the main and expressed deep regret
• Extensive pro bono and unpaid public/educational work
• Positive written testimonial from a long-standing client
• Overbilling not done for personal financial gain (bonus); bonus shared and refunded