Peter Chahal

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

The Respondent, suspended from practice for 6 months from 19 April 2012, was found to have held himself out as a practising solicitor during his suspension. Allegation 1.1 (signing Land Registry Form ID1 as a solicitor on 7 September 2012) and allegation 1.2 (representing Mr MSB at Sandwell Magistrates Court taxi licence appeal on 1 June 2012) were proved, both involving lack of integrity (Principle 2) and failure to maintain public trust (Principle 6). Allegations 1.3 (acting for Mr OA/E-ON letter) and 1.4 (appearance before Judge Blandy) were not proved to the requisite standard. No express finding of dishonesty was made; the Tribunal found lack of integrity. The Tribunal proceeded in the Respondent's absence. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £4,500.

Duties found breached:

• Integrity
• Uphold public trust in the profession

Aggravating factors:

• Disregarded a previous Tribunal Order suspending him from practice
• Previous disciplinary findings before the Tribunal
• Placed members of the public at risk by leading third parties to believe he was a practising solicitor
• Continued pattern of failing to cooperate with his Regulator

Mitigating factors:

• Relatively young and capable of alternative employment (noted in costs context)