Paul Anthony Garrett

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

Paul Anthony Garrett appeared and held himself out as a solicitor in summary criminal proceedings at Paisley and Hamilton Sheriff Courts between 29 November and 21 December 2016 without holding a practising certificate, and was convicted on indictment under s.23 of the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (fined £1,000). He also failed to respond to or cooperate with the Law Society's conduct complaint investigation. The Tribunal, proceeding in his absence, found him guilty of professional misconduct, expressly finding his conduct dishonest, in breach of Rules B1.2, B1.13.1 and B1.14.1. His name was struck off the Roll and he was found liable in expenses (taxed, GBP, amount unspecified).

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead the court
• No improper communication with the court
• Honesty
• Not misrepresent regulated status

Aggravating factors:

• Conduct involved dishonesty and criminal behaviour (indictment conviction relating to professional practice under s.23 Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980)
• Gross breach of trust with misrepresentation to clients and court on two occasions
• Clients left unprotected by professional indemnity insurance or master policy
• No remorse or insight demonstrated
• Failed to engage with regulator and Tribunal
• Conducted a summary trial while unqualified

Mitigating factors:

• Relatively short period of offending (two months)
• No evidence of loss or damage resulting from conduct
• No previous findings of misconduct or unsatisfactory professional conduct
• Relatively low criminal disposal (£1,000 fine)