Imran Karim, Saira Karim & Shamim Akktar Karim

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

Three solicitors from a family firm (Karim) - mother Shamim Akktar Karim (employee, subject to practising certificate conditions) and her children Imran and Saira Karim (principals) - faced numerous allegations of Accounts Rules breaches, misappropriation of around £1 million of client money (K/D, Northern Rock, Birmingham Midshires matters), obstruction of the regulator, false/misleading information and failure to comply with adjudicator decisions. The hearing proceeded in the Respondents' absence after adjournment applications were refused. The Tribunal, applying the Twinsectra test, found express dishonesty against all three Respondents on multiple allegations (Rule 22 breaches, knowing misuse of client money, obstruction, and for Imran/Shamim permitting unauthorised practice). The Paracha client ledger was used as a personal/office account. All three were struck off as a danger to the public and a disgrace to the profession. Costs ordered jointly and severally, with an interim fixed order of £75,000 within six weeks plus detailed assessment (total costs estimated around £130,000).

Duties found breached:

• Cease acting on client perjury or disobedience
• Honesty
• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• Advise on alternatives, settlement and outcome
• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Firm governance, systems and compliance
• Hold a current practising certificate
• Cooperate openly with regulators
• Honour professional undertakings
• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues
• Not misrepresent regulated status

Aggravating factors:

• Theft/misappropriation of approximately £1 million in client monies
• Total of £1,181,533.94 paid out from compensation fund
• Sustained pattern of obstruction and delay of the regulator over roughly four years
• False and misleading information given to the Society and to other solicitors
• Lavish lifestyle funded from misapplied client money
• Use of the Paracha client ledger as a personal/office account
• Contempt for the proceedings and the regulator; challenging all evidence requiring 12 witnesses
• Client funds placed at risk over a prolonged period