N A Faniyi

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

Nathaniel Akindele Faniyi, a solicitor and principal of Nathaniel & Co, faced nine allegations arising from SRA visits to his firm. All allegations were proved. The Tribunal found dishonesty proved on allegation 1: he knowingly provided false answers on professional indemnity insurance proposal forms, failing to disclose a 2003 reprimand and costs order, while correctly disclosing it on one form and signing declarations of truth. Dishonesty alleged on allegations 7 and 8 was NOT proved; instead the Tribunal found he acted recklessly (and lacked integrity) but had no evidence of dishonest intent. He also failed to supervise fee earners, provide client care information, deliver papers promptly, misled a client and the LCS, and breached property fraud guidance. The Respondent did not attend and submitted no mitigation. Having found dishonesty and no exceptional circumstances, the Tribunal struck him off the Roll and ordered costs of £28,663.14. His subsequent appeals were dismissed.

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead the court
• Proper basis for allegations
• No taking unfair advantage
• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• Keep client informed and respond promptly
• Proper termination and return of instructions
• Not misrepresent regulated status

Aggravating factors:

• Previous reprimand by the Tribunal in 2003
• Serious deliberate act of dishonesty in an important document
• Multiple proven allegations including three findings of recklessness
• Respondent found to constitute a danger to the public