Simon Kennett Gurr

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

The Respondent, a partner at Direction Home (Law) LLP admitted in the Roll since 1987, admitted Allegation 1.3 that between 11 and 15 October 2019 he provided misleading information to colleagues, falsely claiming he had reported a client matter to the Firm's professional indemnity insurers in July/August 2019 when he had not done so until 14 October 2019, and repeated the falsehood when challenged. He admitted this conduct was dishonest, breaching Principles 2 and 6 and Outcome 5.1. Allegations 1.1 and 1.2 (backdating a letter and a false witness statement) were withdrawn in the public interest. The matter was resolved by Agreed Outcome on the papers. The Tribunal ordered him struck off the Roll (with undertaking never to seek readmission) and to pay costs of £15,000 including VAT.

Duties found breached:

• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank

Aggravating factors:

• Admitted dishonesty
• Provided false information to senior colleagues on two occasions

Mitigating factors:

• No previous disciplinary findings
• 32 years' practice without prior discipline