Belinda Owusuah Sarkodie

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

The Respondent, admitted in 2020, worked simultaneously for three law firms during a crossover period (29 June-16 July 2021). She submitted timesheets to two locum firms (PLS and W&L) claiming payment for the same hours on the same dates while also employed full time by a third firm (Muve). She also misled Muve that she was working solely and full time for them, in breach of an exclusivity clause. The Tribunal rejected her explanations that her work was task-based and that her breach of contract was inadvertent. It found both allegations proved, including express dishonesty under the Ivey test. Finding no exceptional circumstances, the Tribunal ordered she be struck off the Roll and pay costs of £8,891.50.

Duties found breached:

• Honesty
• Integrity
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues

Aggravating factors:

• Finding of dishonesty
• Deliberate and repeated conduct
• Motivated by financial gain
• Took unfair advantage of employers
• Blamed others (recruitment consultants and firms) for her actions
• Limited insight into her conduct

Mitigating factors:

• Previously unblemished career with no prior disciplinary findings
• Medical evidence regarding her health at the material time