Stephen Richard Lochrie

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

The Council of the Law Society of Scotland brought a complaint alleging professional misconduct against solicitor Stephen Richard Lochrie. The sole remaining averment was that in an email to another solicitor (DC) on 26 April 2022 regarding searches for a BVI-registered company, he provided information that was subsequently found to be incorrect, allegedly in breach of Rule B1.14.1. Following lengthy discussions, a Joint Minute substantially amended the complaint; the Complainers no longer insisted on professional misconduct averments (including all dishonesty averments) and agreed the Respondent honestly believed the statement to be true at the time. The Tribunal found this was merely an honest mistake, not made recklessly, and was not satisfied a breach of Rule B1.14.1 was established. It found the Respondent not guilty of professional misconduct and declined to remit the matter to the Council under section 53ZA as there was no basis for unsatisfactory professional conduct. On expenses, the Tribunal awarded expenses to the Respondent on the normal agent-client basis but refused the Respondent's motion for a higher indemnifying award, not being satisfied the Complainers had acted unreasonably or incompetently (rejecting the McKie argument). It certified the case as appropriate for Junior Counsel only, not Senior Counsel. Publicity was directed including the Respondent's name.I I I omitthe extra field.The Tribunal directed publicity naming the Respondent but anonymising others.