Richard Charles Strong

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

Richard Charles Strong, an assistant solicitor, forged his principal Mr Barley's signature on a 23 April 2002 letter to the Law Society regarding a complaint, and intercepted related correspondence. He also misrepresented the progress of multiple matters to his principals and clients, including telling clients proceedings had been served/liability admitted when untrue, and failing to issue proceedings in a personal injury claim that became time-barred while telling the supervising partner proceedings had been issued. The Tribunal found the allegations, including dishonesty, proved on his own admissions. Despite personal difficulties (father's illness, failed marriage, depression), he was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay agreed costs of £2,500.

Duties found breached:

• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues
• No improper solicitation or touting

Mitigating factors:

• Personal difficulties at the time: father's illness (1996 until death in November 2005)
• Failure of his marriage in 2002 within months of the wedding
• Illness with depression
• Admitted the allegations and acknowledged dishonesty