On 15 October 2020, the Firm made a report to the SRA relating to payments made from its client bank account which may not have directly related to any underlying legal work.

The report concerned historical matters in respect of which the Firm acted for a company called Client B between 2014 and 2016.

The case before the Tribunal concerned a detailed and extensive exploration of Rule 14.5 SAR 2011, its origin, evolution and how it was understood by the profession upon introduction and at the time of the alleged misconduct.

The Tribunal found the evidence presented to it by the Applicant did not meet the requisite standard of proof, i.e. the balance of probabilities and it dismissed all the allegations against all Respondents.