Andrew Ellis

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

Andrew Ellis, an unadmitted solicitor's clerk employed by Sawle & Co as a conveyancer, offered to assist a client (Mr OH) with a County Court claim. He purported to act for Mr and Mrs OH, held himself out as a solicitor (including providing a false Roll number and naming Sawle & Co as nominated solicitors), and used the firm's facilities and name without authority. He deliberately misled the clients, falsely telling them the defendant had dropped its defence and the court had ruled in their favour with compensation of about £4,800, when no order had been made. He admitted lying and fabricating matters but did not attend the hearing. The Tribunal found the allegations proved and, for the protection of the public rather than to punish, made an Order under s.43(1)(b) of the Solicitors Act 1974 controlling his future employment in the profession, and ordered him to pay costs subject to detailed assessment. No express finding of dishonesty was recorded.

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead the court
• Cease acting on client perjury or disobedience
• Professional independence
• No taking unfair advantage
• No conflict between current clients

Aggravating factors:

• Deliberate and repeated misleading of clients over a period of time
• Fabricated a court outcome and false compensation figure
• Falsely provided a Roll number to the court
• Stated he would not attend or recognise any punishment imposed

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted lying to the clients and using the firm's letterhead
• Admitted fabricating aspects of the case
• Received no costs/payment from the clients