Mr Lea was admitted to the Roll in September 2006. The alleged misconduct occurred between 5 July 2015 and 16 March 2023 when he was a Director and Solicitor in the Firm specialising in corporate and commercial litigation. Mr Lea was the Managing Director of the Firm and was based in the Haywards Heath office. He had a practising certificate free from conditions.

The Rule 12 Statement was dated 25 September 2025. Part One Standard Directions were issued by the Tribunal dated 1 October 2025. Part Two Standard Directions were issued by the Tribunal dated 7 January 2026. Mr Lea filed and served the Respondent’s Answer dated 26 November 2025. In the Answer Mr Lea denied the allegations.

Mr Lea admitted Allegation 1 and admitted that his conduct breached Principles 2 and 6 of the 2011 Principles and Principles 2, 5 and 6 of the 2019 Principles.

The purpose of the hearing was for the Tribunal to determine whether the admissions were properly made and if so, to then consider mitigation, sanction, and costs. The Tribunal considered the appropriate and proportionate sanction.