Jamie Stepehnson

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

Jamie Stephenson, a solicitor, practised as a sole practitioner under 'Keyne Law' from April to November 2014 without SRA authorisation, holding the firm out as authorised and regulated using a fabricated SRA number on letterhead and website. He also lied to an SRA Forensic Investigation Officer, falsely stating he did not hold client monies or operate a client account when he did. The Tribunal found allegations 1.1 and 1.2 proved with dishonesty. Allegation 1.3 (creating forged eviction notices) was not proved beyond reasonable doubt due to insufficient/hearsay evidence. Despite his mental health difficulties, the Tribunal found no exceptional circumstances and struck him off the Roll, ordering £29,000 costs.

Duties found breached:

• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Cooperate openly with regulators
• Self-report to the regulator
• Not misrepresent regulated status

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty alleged and proved
• Misconduct deliberate, calculated and repeated
• Continued over a period of time
• Lied to regulator to conceal wrongdoing
• Knew or ought to have known conduct breached obligations to protect public and reputation of profession

Mitigating factors:

• Suffering mental health issues at relevant time (not sufficient to negate knowledge of dishonesty)
• No client suffered losses
• No actual harm caused to anybody