Date
07 April 2016
Charges
The charges against Ms. Preeti King were:
Charge 1
Failing to:
(a) uphold the rule of law and the impartial administration of justice;
(b) maintain high standards of professional and personal conduct; and
(c) be honest in all her dealings.
The particulars were that in September 2011 the said Preeti King, then a solicitor wilfully made a false or untrue statement as a sworn witness or interpreter in judicial proceedings, for which on 18 August 2014 she was convicted of perjury by the Crown Court at Woolwich and sentenced to six months imprisonment (suspended for two years).
Charge 2
Failing to:
(a) maintain high standards of professional and personal conduct;
(b) comply with her regulatory obligations; and
(c) act in the best interests of her clients.
The particulars were that on divers dates unknown (but on or before September 2011) Preeti King then a solicitor entered into a financial arrangement in respect of the referral of business contrary to Rule 9.02 of the Solicitors Code of Conduct;
On divers dates unknown (but on or before September 2011) Preeti King then a solicitor failed to provide information to clients in breach of Rule 2.02 of the Solicitors Code of Conduct; and
On 6 November 2015 in consequence (inter alia) of the matters set forth in the preceding sub-paragraphs the said Preeti King was found guilty of professional misconduct by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, struck off the Roll of Solicitors and ordered to pay costs of £36,000.
Outcome
Both charges were found proved.
Sanction
The Disciplinary Tribunal ordered that Ms. King be excluded from membership of CILEx for a period of 7 years at which point Ms. King may apply for reinstatement; which will be considered in the same way as any other reinstatement application. The Tribunal ordered costs to be paid by Ms. King.
