Sonia Rishi

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

Sonia Rishi, an assistant solicitor handling matrimonial and ancillary relief matters, manufactured false court documents (including purported Decrees Nisi/Absolute, a Form D84A, and a draft Consent Order) and repeatedly misled multiple clients (Ms K, Mrs B, Mrs D, Mrs E G, Mr B and Mr M) over a roughly two-year period as to the progress of their cases. Some clients were led to believe they were divorced when they were not, with one purporting to remarry and have a child. She admitted the allegations but denied dishonesty; she did not attend and was not represented. Applying Twinsectra v Yardley, the Tribunal found dishonesty proved to the high standard. She was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay agreed costs of £1,773.83.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• No taking unfair advantage
• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper solicitation or touting

Aggravating factors:

• Course of conduct over approximately two years, not an isolated incident
• Many trusting clients harmed; clients suffered real consequences (e.g. believing themselves divorced and remarrying)
• Damage to reputation of the profession
• Manufacture of documents bearing court seals and another case's number

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted the facts and allegations
• Expressed remorse and apologised for distress caused
• Referred to depression/mental state, though no medical evidence was provided
• Did not intend to return to the profession