S Aziz

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

Shabnum Aziz, sole director of Cranbrook Solicitors Limited, faced 15 allegations all of which were proved. The Tribunal found express dishonesty in four respects: failing to keep accounting records (recording Mrs M's sale proceeds as received before completion), improper inter ledger transfers designed to disguise debit balances, improper round sum withdrawals from client account for her own use to keep within the overdraft limit, and providing false understated gross fees figures to the Assigned Risks Pool to reduce premiums. She also acted recklessly in conducting transactions bearing characteristics of mortgage fraud, failed to honour multiple undertakings, made a false statement to another firm, failed regulatory duties, and failed to account for £134,000 to Dr Iqbal. A client account shortage of at least £187,254.96 existed. Applying SRA v Sharma, and finding no exceptional circumstances, the Tribunal struck her off the Roll. Costs of £19,425.33 were ordered but not enforceable without leave due to her impecuniosity. The hearing proceeded in her absence.

Duties found breached:

• Honesty
• Integrity
• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• No conflict between current clients
• Handle inadvertently received material
• No improper use of client money
• Prompt accounting and return of money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Report serious misconduct of others
• No baseless or threatened misconduct report
• AML and crime-prevention compliance
• Honour professional undertakings

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty found on four allegations
• Client account cash shortage of at least £187,254.96
• Clients and third parties suffered losses
• Previous appearance before the Tribunal in February 2009 (fined £10,000) for similar conduct
• Conduct bore characteristics of mortgage fraud
• Serious damage to reputation of the profession
• Failed to cooperate with the SRA investigation

Mitigating factors:

• Personal and medical circumstances
• Difficult financial position (receiving state benefits)
• Claim of duress regarding undertaking to B Solicitors (though unsupported)