Neil Bashir

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

Sole practitioner Neil A Bashir faced eight allegations including breach of undertaking, misleading another solicitor, failing to act with integrity and in his client's best interest, failing to satisfy a county court judgement, signing a consent order he knew he could not honour, failing to cooperate with the SRA, and failing to deliver an accountant's report. He did not appear or engage with proceedings. The Tribunal found all allegations proved to the higher standard and, considering he posed a risk to the public, struck him off the Roll and ordered him to pay costs of £5,469.07. No express finding of dishonesty was made.

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• Act in the client's best interests
• Advise on alternatives, settlement and outcome
• No conflict between current clients
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Honour professional undertakings

Aggravating factors:

• Respondent presented a risk to the public if allowed to continue to practise
• Claimed full recoverable costs, banking a disbursement that was the contractual liability of the other firm and leaving the client liable
• Signed consent order while aware of pending bankruptcy petition and failed to disclose it
• Failed to engage with regulator despite repeated letters to multiple addresses