Lorraine Marie Forrest

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

The Respondent, admitted 1998, forged work permits for immigration clients while employed at successive firms, committing six offences of making a false instrument to which she pleaded guilty (100 hours community punishment, two-year rehabilitation order). She admitted the disciplinary allegations of conduct unbefitting a solicitor and breach of Rule 1. Despite her account of extreme workplace pressure, the Tribunal held no pressure could excuse her conduct, which was grave and repeated. To protect the public she was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £1,096.20 (payable by instalments). The Tribunal referred to breaches of probity, integrity and trustworthiness but made no express finding using the word 'dishonesty'.

Duties found breached:

• Cease acting on client perjury or disobedience
• Uphold public trust in the profession

Aggravating factors:

• Six forgeries of work permits committed across multiple firms
• Repeated conduct, not a single aberration
• Conduct occurred while acting as a solicitor/fee earner

Mitigating factors:

• Early admissions in the magistrates' court and of disciplinary allegations
• Took full responsibility and recognised her fault
• Genuine perception of extreme workplace pressure and lack of support
• Completed community punishment and rehabilitation
• Presented her case competently in person
• Supportive testimonials from family and friends