Alima Maxsood, a solicitor barred from holding significant roles within law firms for seven years, has had her practice conditions lifted by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT).
The SDT’s decision marks a pivotal moment in Ms Maxsood’s career, highlighting her substantial rehabilitation efforts undertaken since her initial misconduct. In 2017, an earlier tribunal panel concluded that Ms Maxsood lacked integrity after she provided misleading information in a professional indemnity insurance application. Consequently, she faced an £8,000 fine and was forbidden from occupying positions of ownership or compliance within law firms.
Throughout the intervening years, Ms Maxsood received conditional practising certificates, barring her from various roles. However, her recent application to lift these conditions demonstrated her commitment to professional rehabilitation. Her records from 2022/2023 reveal participation in 164 training courses focusing on family law and professional ethics, underscoring her dedication to staying informed about industry standards.
Working part-time at the Birmingham-based firm Sulton Lloyd since March 2022, Ms Maxsood has received commendations for integrity and trustworthiness from her employer, Nighat Sultana. Despite the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) opposition, which cited insufficient evidence of professional rehabilitation, the SDT found compelling evidence of her compliance and ethical growth over the years.
The SDT acknowledged Ms Maxsood’s limited insight during the original tribunal, where she represented herself under emotional distress. Despite recognising the gravity of her initial misconduct, the tribunal highlighted the absence of further transgressions and her demonstrable adherence to imposed conditions.
Since 2017, Ms Maxsood has committed to numerous training courses aimed at enhancing integrity and ethical conduct, earning acknowledgment for her dedication to assisting underprivileged and vulnerable populations. The SDT expressed admiration for her remorse, insight, and resolve to adhere to high professional standards.
Ultimately, the SDT concluded that maintaining the conditions on her practice was no longer necessary, given her track record of compliance and rehabilitation.
The removal of conditions from Alima Maxsood’s practising certificate reflects her substantial efforts towards professional redemption and her future in the legal field. This decision underscores the SDT’s confidence in her restored integrity and capability to contribute positively to the profession.
