John Kishin Navani

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

The Respondent, a solicitor and firm owner, faced six allegations across 50 particulars of inappropriate conduct, harassment and bullying (and in one instance sexual motivation) toward five junior female staff (Persons A-E) between 2016 and 2019. The Tribunal found Persons A-E credible and the Respondent's evidence unreliable. Of 50 particulars, 43 were proved in full, two in part, and five not proved. Allegation 1.6 (following the Christmas party involving Person E) was found sexually motivated within the meaning of Basson v GMC. Culpability was assessed as medium and harm as significant. No dishonesty was found. The Tribunal imposed a 12-month suspension, itself suspended for 2 years, with a 2-year restriction barring the Respondent from recruitment interviews or disciplinary investigations in any solicitors' firm. Costs of £163,950.46 were sought by the SRA but ordered to be subject to detailed assessment.

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• Integrity
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• No unlawful discrimination or harassment
• Act in the client's best interests
• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank
• Competence

Aggravating factors:

• A repeated pattern of inappropriate behaviour over a significant period
• Abuse of power and coercion compounded by a substantial imbalance of authority
• Sought to take undue advantage of at least one vulnerable complainant
• Proven sexual misconduct in relation to one allegation
• Conduct met the definition of harassment under s.26 Equality Act 2010, violating dignity and creating an intimidating, hostile or humiliating environment

Mitigating factors:

• Misconduct was verbal/behavioural rather than physical, spontaneous and insensitive rather than premeditated
• Exceptional personal pressures as a single parent with sole responsibility for a young child
• Some remorse and limited (largely reactive) insight; resiled from allegations of fabrication
• Over 25 years' unblemished practice; established a firm providing access to justice and opportunities, committed to diversity
• Significant delays not attributable to the Respondent affecting his mental health
• Full cooperation with the regulator
• Absence of dishonesty or misuse of client funds