§ discipline

Comparative analytics

Cross-jurisdiction patterns from 3,080 machine-extracted decision findings (1,469 with an express dishonesty finding). Sanction figures are extracted from the decisions and verified verbatim against the source; treat as research signal, not legal advice. Click any duty for its provisions and case list.

How breach of each duty is sanctioned

For decisions found to breach each duty: how many, average suspension & fine, and how often dishonesty was also found.

Duty breachedCasesAvg suspension (mo)Avg fineDishonesty
No improper use of client money 1,215 21.7 47,624 721
No conflict between current clients 1,081 17.7 142,859 571
Uphold public trust in the profession 773 15.5 179,079 385
Accounting records, reconciliation and reports 596 23.6 14,377 302
Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank 430 18.8 32,362 278
Integrity 410 14.1 29,379 286
No taking unfair advantage 402 11.4 62,530 251
No improper communication with the court 402 23.0 26,200 171
Prompt accounting and return of money 382 29.4 12,866 199
Proper basis for allegations 373 28.2 29,610 269
No baseless or threatened misconduct report 292 12.9 119,635 105
Honesty 290 19.2 5,944 260
Good faith and courtesy to colleagues 284 11.5 163,957 151
Handle inadvertently received material 282 18.3 26,692 148
Not mislead third parties or opponents 267 27.0 8,834 182
Act in the client's best interests 262 20.8 29,299 182
No improper solicitation or touting 252 21.5 28,333 135
Not misrepresent regulated status 223 15.5 54,248 109
Honour professional undertakings 200 15.0 7,083 93
Not mislead the court 181 15.9 79,242 105
Report serious misconduct of others 180 19.1 32,374 72
Diligence and timeliness 148 32.9 17,955 75
Hold a current practising certificate 136 23.3 30,338 55
Cooperate openly with regulators 124 14.5 8,048 88
Advise on alternatives, settlement and outcome 107 42.2 13,333 45
Keep client informed and respond promptly 93 6.0 137,292 30
Professional indemnity insurance 91 19.5 2,778 41
Firm governance, systems and compliance 88 19.5 60,522 49
Self-report to the regulator 80 37.1 22,113 35
Supervise staff and delegated work 75 18.4 8,250 28

Strike-off rate by duty & jurisdiction

Of cases engaging a duty (≥5 in that jurisdiction), the share resulting in strike-off / removal.

JurisdictionDutyCasesStrike-off %
EW Honesty 1,736 71.5%
EW Uphold public trust in the profession 1,143 68.6%
EW No improper use of client money 1,014 75.9%
EW Personal probity and fitness to practise 959 68.0%
EW No conflict between current clients 870 72.0%
EW No bribery or improper gifts 856 75.4%
EW Integrity 846 71.0%
EW No unlawful discrimination or harassment 754 75.2%
EW Accounting records, reconciliation and reports 648 73.0%
EW Act in the client's best interests 566 73.7%
EW Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank 423 77.3%
EW Prompt accounting and return of money 392 74.0%
EW Advise objectively, not a mere conduit 367 70.6%
EW Proper basis for allegations 361 69.0%
EW No taking unfair advantage 357 73.1%
EW Not mislead third parties or opponents 324 77.2%
EW No improper communication with the court 315 68.9%
EW Hold a current practising certificate 287 74.9%
EW Overriding duty to the court 282 76.6%
EW Not mislead the court 263 66.2%
EW Serve justice and improve the law 255 76.9%
EW No improper solicitation or touting 249 73.5%
EW Cooperate openly with regulators 237 63.3%
EW Handle inadvertently received material 234 71.4%
EW Honour professional undertakings 225 67.1%

Where dishonesty was found — the outcome

JurisdictionSanctionCases
EWStrike Off1,176
EWOther104
JMStrike Off40
SCOStrike Off40
EWSuspension26
EWConditions20
EWRestoration Refused15
CA-BCOther14
JMOther7
JMSuspension5
JMNo Order4
EWDismissed4
SCOOther2
EWFine2
JMFine2
SCORestoration Refused2
SCODismissed1
CA-BCSuspension1
SCOSuspension1
AU-NTSuspension1