Sewa Singh

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

Sewa Singh, a sole practitioner solicitor, was found guilty of all ten allegations of conduct unbefitting a solicitor, including multiple Solicitors Accounts Rules breaches (cash shortage of £11,311.78), failure to supervise, abandoning his practice, failing to reply to correspondence, misrepresenting that he had indemnity insurance and practising without it. The hearing proceeded in his absence after an adjournment request lacking up-to-date medical evidence. The Tribunal found all allegations substantiated but made no express finding of dishonesty, noting his poor health and heavy drinking. He was suspended indefinitely and ordered to pay costs of £14,550.53.

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Professional indemnity insurance
• Report serious misconduct of others

Aggravating factors:

• Numerous client complaints, failure to return title deeds
• Non-compliance with mortgage lenders' instructions
• Cash shortage of £11,311.78 on client account
• Misrepresentation about professional indemnity insurance

Mitigating factors:

• Respondent in poor health with a serious drink problem
• Cash shortage was rectified during inspection
• Conduct may have been taken while under the influence of alcohol