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NLJ this week: Lies, dishonesty & the factors that stop solicitors being struck off

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Dishonesty is certainly in the headlines this week, but politics aside, what happens when solicitors are dishonest? In this week’s NLJ, Jessica Clay and Lucinda Soon examine the ‘exceptional circumstances’ which can save a dishonest solicitor from being struck off.

Clay, partner, and Soon, legal director, at Kingsley Napley, cover some cases where a strike-off sanction would be ‘disproportionate’ in the view of the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. While expulsion from the profession is ‘the starting point’, there are a variety of factors which can lead to a lesser sanction.

In an article which should interest all practising solicitors, Clay and Soon unpick these mitigating factors and trace consistently appearing patterns in the caselaw. For example, what amounts to a ‘momentary lapse of judgement’? What is the significance of a lack of personal gain and motivation? What makes for a cumulative approach? 

Find out the answers to these questions and more in the article here.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ Career Profile: Kate Gaskell, Flex Legal

NLJ Career Profile: Kate Gaskell, Flex Legal

Kate Gaskell, CEO of Flex Legal, reflects on chasing her childhood dreams underscores the importance of welcoming those from all backgrounds into the profession

Dorsey & Whitney—Jonathan Christy

Dorsey & Whitney—Jonathan Christy

Dispute resolution team welcomes associate in London

Winckworth Sherwood—Kevin McManamon

Winckworth Sherwood—Kevin McManamon

Special education needs and mental capacity expert joins as partner

NEWS
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Workplace stress was a contributing factor in almost one in eight cases before the employment tribunal last year, indicating its endemic grip on the UK workplace
Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School highlights a turbulent end to 2025 in the civil courts, from the looming appeal in Mazur to judicial frustration with ever-expanding bundles, in his final NLJ 'The insider' column of the year
Antonia Glover of Quinn Emanuel outlines sweeping transparency reforms following the work of the Transparency and Open Justice Board in this week's NLJ
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