Ravinder Balli & Sukjhit Chohan

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

Ravinder Balli, a newly admitted solicitor, and Sukjhit Chohan, an unadmitted clerk, ran R&S Law LLP. Balli fraudulently obtained SRA recognition by falsely naming an Indian lawyer/naval officer (PJS) as supervising partner with a fabricated CV, without PJS's consent. He continued practising after recognition was rescinded, gave false information to the SRA and to his professional indemnity insurer (including failing to disclose his arrest and a POCA forfeiture order), provided misleading client care letters implying a supervisory regime, and permitted unauthorised client account withdrawals. The Tribunal found Balli dishonest on allegations 1, 2 and 3 (applying the Twinsectra combined test) and struck him off. Chohan, found to be a partner in the unrecognised firm, was made subject to a Section 43 order; the Tribunal did not find him dishonest. Costs of £22,000 apportioned 75%/25% (£16,500 Balli, £5,500 Chohan).

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead the court
• No abuse of process or coercive powers
• No improper communication with the court
• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• No improper use of client money

Aggravating factors:

• Breaches committed across a range of areas of practice
• Set up practice in defiance of all regulation
• Deliberately fabricated employment history and falsely named PJS as supervising partner
• Continued to practise after recognition was rescinded and after claiming firm had closed
• Clear evidence of dishonesty

Mitigating factors:

• First Respondent's relative youth and inexperience
• No member of the public suffered loss as a result of his actions
• Financial loss already sustained by the Respondent
• Stress of proceedings suffered by both Respondents
• Character references supplied