Ralph E Pulman & Others

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

Multi-respondent case arising from a large multi-party nuisance action (PO & Others v B Waste Services). Associate solicitor Ralph Pulman caused file copy letters and attendance notes to be backdated and falsely certified that he (rather than clerk Mr Powney) gave the Regulation 4 CFA advice; the Tribunal expressly found his conduct dishonest and struck him off, ordering £5,000 costs. The Tribunal found the CFAs themselves were backdated (not falsely dated) with clients aware. Against Second Respondent (a partner), only the s.41 allegation (using struck-off costs draftsman Mr Cooper) was substantiated, at the lowest end of the scale, resulting in a 24-hour suspension and no order for costs; the dishonesty allegation was withdrawn and other allegations (bill concealment, supervision failures, misleading the court) were not substantiated. Against Third Respondent all allegations were dismissed.

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead the court
• No improper communication with the court
• Competence
• Not misrepresent regulated status

Aggravating factors:

• Falsification was deliberate and methodical, put clients' successful settlement at risk
• Conduct was the fundamental cause of the proceedings

Mitigating factors:

• Mr Pulman admitted the allegations at an early stage
• Expressed remorse, shame and apology
• Attempted to assist the disciplinary process
• Personal and financial circumstances taken into account for costs