Clare Elizabeth Forster

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

Clare Elizabeth Forster, a clinical negligence solicitor at Hudgell Solicitors, admitted falsely recording time on four client matters between June and November 2023 while under performance pressure and a PIP. Approximately 99.9 hours of unsubstantiated time were identified, and she fabricated an IT failure to explain a missing file note. The Tribunal found express dishonesty (Ivey test) and breaches of Principles 2, 4, 5 and Paragraph 1.4. Although it accepted substantial mitigation including mental health difficulties and personal circumstances, these did not amount to exceptional circumstances under Sharma/James. She was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £25,000 (reduced from £36,817.50 claimed).

Duties found breached:

• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues
• Honesty
• Integrity
• Uphold public trust in the profession

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty that was deliberate, calculated and repeated
• Misconduct sustained over approximately five months across four/multiple client matters
• Concealment via fabricated IT failure explanation for missing file note
• Maintained a record of false entries indicating methodical and planned conduct
• Four years' PQE, sufficiently experienced to understand obligations

Mitigating factors:

• Deterioration in mental health substantiated by psychiatric report
• Difficult personal circumstances arising from a prolonged abusive relationship
• Significant workplace pressure including elevated PIP targets
• Early admissions and full cooperation with the SRA
• Insight and remorse, acted against normal character
• No third-party coercion; record-keeping limited impact on clients; no client suffered actual loss