§ discipline

Comparative analytics

Cross-jurisdiction patterns from 3,866 machine-extracted decision findings (1,662 with an express dishonesty finding). Sanction figures are extracted from the decisions and verified verbatim against the source; treat as research signal, not legal advice. Click any duty for its provisions and case list.

How breach of each duty is sanctioned

For decisions found to breach each duty: how many, average suspension & fine, and how often dishonesty was also found.

Duty breachedCasesAvg suspension (mo)Avg fineDishonesty
No improper use of client money 1,448 21.4 50,037 794
No conflict between current clients 1,277 17.6 138,302 623
Uphold public trust in the profession 919 14.9 144,573 422
Accounting records, reconciliation and reports 675 23.6 27,739 318
No improper communication with the court 591 22.3 23,440 196
No baseless or threatened misconduct report 512 11.5 57,181 193
Prompt accounting and return of money 512 28.6 30,508 234
No taking unfair advantage 459 11.4 52,119 273
Proper basis for allegations 455 28.2 52,536 315
Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank 443 18.5 30,488 280
Integrity 410 14.1 29,379 286
Handle inadvertently received material 384 17.5 52,909 172
Not mislead third parties or opponents 350 27.0 8,773 205
Honesty 332 18.0 6,458 284
Good faith and courtesy to colleagues 319 11.2 151,231 161
Honour professional undertakings 299 13.1 77,603 105
No improper solicitation or touting 274 21.5 24,023 144
Act in the client's best interests 273 20.8 28,615 183
Not misrepresent regulated status 265 15.1 51,577 119
Not mislead the court 232 14.7 55,578 121
Report serious misconduct of others 229 18.6 57,834 86
Hold a current practising certificate 191 21.7 26,727 65
Diligence and timeliness 169 32.9 17,500 81
Advise on alternatives, settlement and outcome 137 42.2 13,700 52
Cooperate openly with regulators 134 14.5 8,048 89
Complaints procedure and handling 129 25.5 151,231 19
Keep client informed and respond promptly 117 6.0 104,094 37
Self-report to the regulator 101 37.1 22,113 43
Professional indemnity insurance 95 19.5 2,778 42
Firm governance, systems and compliance 89 19.5 60,522 49

Strike-off rate by duty & jurisdiction

Of cases engaging a duty (≥5 in that jurisdiction), the share resulting in strike-off / removal.

JurisdictionDutyCasesStrike-off %
EW Honesty 1,736 76.0%
EW Uphold public trust in the profession 1,143 74.5%
EW No improper use of client money 1,014 76.3%
EW Personal probity and fitness to practise 959 72.8%
EW No conflict between current clients 870 73.8%
EW No bribery or improper gifts 856 75.4%
EW Integrity 846 74.8%
EW No unlawful discrimination or harassment 754 76.1%
EW Accounting records, reconciliation and reports 648 73.3%
EW Act in the client's best interests 566 74.0%
EW Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank 423 78.0%
EW Prompt accounting and return of money 392 74.2%
EW Advise objectively, not a mere conduit 367 71.1%
EW Proper basis for allegations 361 70.6%
EW No taking unfair advantage 357 76.5%
EW Not mislead third parties or opponents 324 79.6%
EW No improper communication with the court 315 73.3%
EW Hold a current practising certificate 287 77.4%
EW Overriding duty to the court 282 79.1%
EW Not mislead the court 263 69.6%
EW Serve justice and improve the law 255 79.6%
EW No improper solicitation or touting 249 73.5%
EW Cooperate openly with regulators 237 74.3%
EW Handle inadvertently received material 234 72.6%
EW Honour professional undertakings 225 67.1%

Where dishonesty was found — the outcome

JurisdictionSanctionCases
EWStrike Off1,176
EWOther104
SCOStrike Off40
AU-WAStrike Off40
JMStrike Off40
AU-QLDStrike Off39
SGStrike Off32
EWSuspension26
EWConditions20
IEStrike Off16
EWRestoration Refused15
CA-BCOther14
AU-NSWStrike Off12
AU-NSWOther11
AU-WASuspension10
AU-QLDReprimand8
JMOther7
JMSuspension5
AU-QLDFine5
JMNo Order4