Samina Ahmed

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

Samina Ahmed, a senior prison law solicitor at Tuckers Solicitors LLP, recorded false time entries on the Firm's case management system between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022, logging 7,511.70 hours over 266 days (averaging 28.24 hours/day), including 133 days recording more than 24 hours. She continued after being warned in April 2022. The conduct, motivated by the Firm's bonus scheme, led to LAA overpaying the Firm £98,093.12. The Tribunal found the allegation proved and expressly found she acted dishonestly and without integrity, breaching Principles 2, 4 and 5 and paragraph 1.4 of the Code. She was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay £5,000 costs.

Duties found breached:

• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank
• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues

Aggravating factors:

• Recorded false time entries, including 133 days exceeding 24 hours in a day
• Continued the conduct even after being warned in a meeting on 7 April 2022
• Motivated by financial gain through the Firm's bonus scheme (potential £69,300)
• Caused LAA overpayment of £98,093.12 which the Firm had to repay
• Misled clients, the Firm and the LAA

Mitigating factors:

• No previous disciplinary matters
• Admissions made via Statement of Agreed Facts
• Suffered mental health issues but recovered
• Single parent to three children with modest means