Mr Dobson was admitted to the roll on in December 1977. The alleged misconduct occurred between 28 February 2020 and September 2021 when he practised as a Solicitor and Partner at the Firm, working from its Derby office. The Firm’s other office was in Nottingham. Mr Dobson held a practising certificate free from conditions.

The Rule 12 Statement was dated 11 June 2029. Part One Standard Directions were issued on 16 June 2029. Part Two Standard Directions were issued on 7 October 2029. Mr Dobson filed and served the Respondent’s Answer dated 12 September 2029. In the Answer Mr Dobson denied the allegations in their entirety.

It was common ground between the parties that the Principles and the Paragraphs of the Code in issue in the case were all ones in which the requirement of seriousness and culpability was inherent and had to be proved in order for the allegations to succeed.

The Tribunal found on the balance of probabilities that the SRA did not prove the allegations against Mr Dobson. The Tribunal dismissed all of the allegations made against him.