Muhammad Waseem Khan-Sherwani

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

Muhammad Waseem Khan-Sherwani, an assistant solicitor at Lewis & Dick, was found to have dishonestly misappropriated clients' money for his own benefit in two matters involving conveyancing clients (Mr and Mrs O, and the children of Mr S). He diverted client funds, including £300,000 used to complete a purchase for himself and a colleague (Bowry Sherwani) and £43,000 for a property venture, failing to pay promised interest. The Tribunal, applying the Twinsectra test, found he had behaved dishonestly. Given this was his third appearance before the Tribunal, he was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £6,279.18.

Duties found breached:

• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• No improper solicitation or touting

Aggravating factors:

• Two previous appearances before the Tribunal (1996 and 1997)
• Clients not paid the interest they were promised on £300,000
• Use of clients' money for his own benefit and that of a colleague
• Failure to offer explanation for his activities

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted the allegations and did not defend proceedings
• Attended the hearing and expressed sincere regret
• Money was subsequently made available for completion of purchase
• Personal losses - job, wife, daughter and property