Rizwana Jamil

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

Rizwana Jamil, a sole practitioner trading as RJ Solicitors, was found to have failed to progress a client's immigration application over several years, provided false and misleading information to the client, the SRA, and two PII insurers, and committed extensive Solicitors Accounts Rules breaches including failing to reconcile accounts, obtain accountant's reports, and making 207 unexplained transfers totalling £134,393.40. The Tribunal found express dishonesty in respect of allegations 1.2, 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6.4, along with recklessness and manifest incompetence. Finding no exceptional circumstances, the Tribunal ordered she be struck off the Roll and pay agreed costs of £25,000.

Duties found breached:

• Act in the client's best interests
• Act only on proper, lawful instructions
• Cooperate openly with regulators
• Firm governance, systems and compliance
• Integrity
• No conflict between current clients
• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank
• Prompt accounting and return of money
• Uphold public trust in the profession

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty proved in respect of four allegations (1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6.4)
• Recklessness in respect of accounts (Allegation 1.6)
• Manifest incompetence across multiple allegations
• Misconduct spanning a protracted period 2015-2020
• Provided false information to client, regulator and insurers
• Experienced solicitor and sole practitioner who held COLP and COFA roles
• Accounting discrepancies of over £4,000,000 and unexplained transfers of £134,393.40 from client to office account

Mitigating factors:

• No previous disciplinary matters
• Closed the Firm
• Cooperated and engaged fully with Tribunal proceedings
• Made fulsome admissions in advance of hearing
• Appeared before the Tribunal to explain conduct despite likely outcome
• Expressed shame and recognition of failings