Sole practitioner struck off after practising without insurance and misleading SRA
Summary
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has struck off sole practitioner Andrew Lee after finding he continued practising while his firm’s professional indemnity insurance had expired and misled both a client and the Solicitors Regulation Authority. The Tribunal also found he failed to keep proper accounts and ordered him to pay more than £45,000 in costs.
Why it matters
This case highlights the serious regulatory consequences of practising without valid professional indemnity insurance and of providing misleading information to the regulator. For residential property surveyors, it is a reminder of the importance of checking the status of legal professionals involved in transactions, especially where conveyancing and client money are concerned.
Key points
- Andrew Lee was struck off by the SDT for dishonest conduct.
- He continued to act for clients after his professional indemnity insurance expired.
- The Tribunal found he misled a client and the SRA about the firm’s insurance and client relationship matters.
- He failed to keep proper accounts and did not respond adequately to SRA enquiries.
- Costs of £45,121.40 were awarded against him.
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