Azfar Bajwa

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

Azfar Naseem Bajwa, principal of A Bajwa & Co, was found to have facilitated abuse of litigation by bringing totally without merit Judicial Review claims for immigration clients in detention or facing imminent removal, to thwart removal or secure release; to have misled Clients 1, 6 and 7 about their prospects of success; breached his duty to the Upper Tribunal by advancing unarguable submissions; and failed to adequately supervise unadmitted fee earners (his father, brother and Person B). The Tribunal found breaches of Principles 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 8 and lack of integrity, but made NO finding of dishonesty. Allegation 1.2 was not proved regarding Client 4, and Allegation 1.4 (alternative) was not considered. The Tribunal ordered the Respondent be struck off the Roll and pay costs of £37,500.

Duties found breached:

• No abuse of process or coercive powers
• Proper basis for allegations
• Advise on alternatives, settlement and outcome
• Report serious misconduct of others

Aggravating factors:

• Misconduct was deliberate and repeated over approximately two years
• Clients in immigration system are often very vulnerable
• Respondent knew he was in material breach of his obligations
• Previous appearance before the Tribunal in 2010 where he admitted misconduct (sham partnership) and was fined £2,000
• Lack of insight and tendency to blame others (father, brother, secretary, Person B)
• Motivated by desire to grow business/commercial advantage

Mitigating factors:

• Offered refunds to some clients
• Cooperated with the SRA
• No client complaints made to the SRA
• Reduction in JR work and outsourcing/obtaining counsel's advice going forward