Barjinder Kumar Sharma

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

Respondent solicitor, employed as a conveyancing consultant at Staniford Wallace, was found to have failed to act in clients' best interests across three conveyancing transactions by failing to notify lender clients of material facts (short leases, deposits paid direct, recent purchases at elevated prices), failing to register lender charges, and transferring £203,970 without clear authority relying on documentation he knew to be inadequate on the 122 O Drive remortgage. He also failed to comply with undertakings via Certificates of Title. The Tribunal found both allegations proved to the higher standard and expressly found the Respondent acted dishonestly under the Twinsectra test. He was struck off and ordered to pay £15,000 costs (not enforceable without leave given his finances).

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Safeguard documents and limit liens

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonest conduct across three conveyancing transactions
• Transfer of funds relying on documentation known to be inadequate
• Prior appearance before the Tribunal

Mitigating factors:

• Ill health / treatment for depression
• Personal and financial difficulties
• Claimed to have been used by an absconded broker (Mr Callard)