Michael Azuka Otobo

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

Michael Azuka Otobo, admitted 2001, faced eleven allegations of conduct unbefitting a solicitor. Allegations (i) and (ii) regarding breach of undertaking and retention of Lloyd & Co files were not substantiated. Nine allegations were substantiated, including acting as a solicitor before admission and breaching the Separate Business Code, failing to respond to The Law Society, failing to ensure supervision at his firm, failing to deliver an Accountant's Report, practising without a practising certificate, failing to cooperate with the SRA, and attempting to mislead the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal by portraying himself as a continuously practising solicitor. The Tribunal made no express finding of dishonesty but emphasised his lack of probity and integrity. He did not attend the hearing. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay £20,000 costs, not enforceable without the Tribunal's consent.

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead the court
• No improper communication with the court
• Cease acting on client perjury or disobedience
• Keep client informed and respond promptly
• No conflict between current clients
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Hold a current practising certificate
• Not misrepresent regulated status

Aggravating factors:

• Attempt to mislead the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal as an officer of the court
• Held himself out as having uninterrupted practice as a solicitor when he had been struck off and lacked a practising certificate
• Wide-ranging pattern of unprofessional conduct showing disregard for professional responsibilities
• Failed to respond substantively to his professional regulator
• Last-minute attempt to adjourn and failure to attend despite a day's adjournment

Mitigating factors:

• Respondent had an unfortunate history for which the Tribunal had some sympathy
• Difficult position at Collisons Makers Hayward
• Genuinely upset by police involvement in the Lloyd & Co file dispute