Clive Graham Wood

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

Clive Graham Wood, an experienced sole practitioner family solicitor, was found to have taken unfair advantage of a litigant in person (Person M) by repeatedly requesting her contact details during July 2022 despite her clear refusal and lack of any legal obligation, and by instructing a private investigator to obtain her address and telephone number which he then disclosed to his client, circumventing the Family Procedure Rules. The Tribunal found allegations 1.1 and 1.2 (sub-particulars 1.2.1-1.2.3) proved, but found 1.2.4 not proved and made no finding on recklessness as it was pleaded in the alternative. No dishonesty was alleged or found. He was fined £17,500 and ordered to pay £15,000 costs (reduced from £20,312).

Duties found breached:

• Integrity
• No taking unfair advantage
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank

Aggravating factors:

• Respondent knew or ought reasonably to have known conduct was in material breach of obligations to protect the public and reputation of the profession
• Limited remorse or insight demonstrated in evidence
• Did not properly appreciate the position his conduct placed Person M in
• Conduct was not inadvertent or spontaneous; he had direct control and responsibility
• Experienced family law practitioner who understood the correct procedural route but consciously chose not to follow it

Mitigating factors:

• Approximately 44 years in practice without previous disciplinary findings
• Considerable stress experienced throughout investigation and hearing
• Expressed remorse in oral mitigation
• Misconduct not motivated by financial gain, personal animosity or deliberate intention to cause harm
• Cooperated throughout the investigation and proceedings