Robert Leslie Perry

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

Robert Leslie Perry, an assistant solicitor, faced five allegations. Allegation 1 (improperly requesting client pay legal fees into personal account) was found not proved due to unreliable evidence from both client (Mr C) and Respondent. Allegation 2 (accepting gifts/loan without advising independent legal advice) was admitted and proved, with a finding of lack of integrity. Allegation 3 (misleading employer and producing a false invoice to conceal that he had accepted gifts) was proved including an express finding of dishonesty under the Ivey test. Allegation 4 (unauthorised practice) was proved in part (one copyright matter). Allegation 5 (working without PII) was proved in full. The Tribunal found the dishonesty to be at the highest level and ordered the Respondent be struck off, with costs reduced to £11,000 given his modest means.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• Integrity
• No taking unfair advantage
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• No improper benefit, loan or bequest
• Competence
• Professional indemnity insurance

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty
• Misconduct deliberate, calculated and repeated
• Misconduct continued over a period of time (payments over 4 months; false invoice perpetuated existing lie)
• Knew or ought to have known he was in material breach
• Purpose was concealment of wrongdoing

Mitigating factors:

• Made a number of admissions
• No previous disciplinary matters and previously unblemished career
• Co-operated with the SRA
• Did not mislead the SRA