Rajinder Heer

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

Rajinder Heer, sole solicitor director, COLP and COFA of Coventgate Law Limited, continued to practise without professional indemnity insurance after the cessation period and dishonestly concealed this from the SRA, intervention agents, clients and a third-party firm. He also failed to maintain proper books of account. The Tribunal found all three allegations proved, including express findings of dishonesty under the Ivey test. Proceeding in his absence, the Tribunal found no exceptional circumstances and struck him off the Roll, ordering costs of £10,966.36.

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Professional indemnity insurance

Aggravating factors:

• Conduct was deliberate, planned, repeated and continued over several months
• Dishonest statements/omissions made to multiple audiences: the regulator, intervention agents, a third party and clients
• Involved a large number of clients
• Mr Heer knew he was in material breach of his obligations
• Experienced solicitor who held both COLP and COFA roles with direct control

Mitigating factors:

• Difficult personal circumstances and health issues referred to in representations to the SRA
• No previous disciplinary findings
• No evidence of specific harm to individuals or claims to the Compensation Fund