The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has issued rebukes to two solicitors for failing to meet professional standards in their services, highlighting issues of incompetence and financial mishandling.
Karen Margaret Wishart, a partner at a law firm in Runcorn, was reprimanded for providing inadequate service to a divorce client, identified as Mr V. Despite her extensive experience since qualifying in 1987, Ms Wishart did not handle the financial remedy proceedings in a timely and competent manner, leading to significant delays and adverse cost orders against Mr V, herself, and her firm. These actions breached the rules requiring solicitors to act in the client’s best interest and provide competent service.
The SRA noted that Ms Wishart also delayed addressing Mr V’s mental capacity and did not promptly transfer his file to new solicitors, further undermining public trust in legal services. In her defence, Ms Wishart cited challenging personal and professional circumstances, and she has since settled all cost orders without charging Mr V. The SRA considered her conduct reckless, necessitating a public rebuke to maintain confidence in legal service standards.
In a separate case, Paul Stephen Hirst, formerly of HBW Law in Barnsley, was rebuked for mishandling client funds. He accepted £300 cash from a client for disbursements but failed to deposit it in the client account for several weeks, during which the account was deficient. The SRA highlighted Mr Hirst’s disregard for client money’s sanctity and lack of insight into his misconduct. Despite this, a more severe sanction was deemed unnecessary due to Mr Hirst’s admission and remedial actions post-dismissal, along with the low risk of repeat behaviour.
Both solicitors were ordered to pay costs to the SRA, with Ms Wishart paying £600 and Mr Hirst £1,350. These proceedings underline the SRA’s commitment to regulating professional conduct within the legal profession.
These cases serve as a stark reminder of the critical importance of maintaining professional integrity and competence within the legal sector.
