Craig Wilkinson

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

Craig Wilkinson, an assistant solicitor at DMHS, was found to have repeatedly misled clients and his supervising solicitor about the progress of numerous debt recovery and landlord/tenant cases, including fabricating a file note and email. He also falsely certified to his employer that he was unaware of circumstances giving rise to an insurance claim, and failed to respond substantively to The Law Society. The Tribunal, applying Twinsectra v Yardley, found his conduct dishonest. Despite sympathy for his youth, inexperience and perceived pressure, the Tribunal ordered he be struck off the Roll and pay costs of £2,158.26.

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• Cease acting on client perjury or disobedience
• Fair dealing with unrepresented parties
• No conflict between current clients
• No baseless or threatened misconduct report

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonest course of conduct over a period of time
• Fabrication of documentation
• Multiple clients and cases affected
• Damaged the reputation of the profession

Mitigating factors:

• Young and inexperienced solicitor
• Felt unsupported and under tremendous pressure
• Honest and cooperative throughout the investigation
• Deep regret and conduct out of character
• Not a case of taking client money