Tribunal finds lack of integrity in property case but rules out dishonesty
A solicitor has been fined £20,000 and given a suspended period of suspension after a disciplinary tribunal identified serious failings in a conveyancing matter involving multiple property charges.
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) ruled on the case of Maame Adjoa Doku Djan-Krofa following a hearing held on 19–20 March 2026. The tribunal found that she breached professional obligations during the handling of a property sale, including failing to discharge charges linked to the property despite providing an undertaking to do so.
The case centred on a conveyancing transaction completed in September 2022. The tribunal heard that several charges attached to the property were not redeemed at completion and remained outstanding for extended periods. These included debts associated with Royal Bank of Scotland, Hillesden Securities, and Bank of Scotland. Payments to clear these charges were made months later, with one settled in January 2025.
The tribunal also found that Djan-Krofa failed to cooperate fully with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) during its investigation. In addition, it concluded that she provided information to other parties without verifying key financial records, including the client ledger. This resulted in communications that could have been misleading regarding whether the charges had been discharged.
However, the tribunal did not find that her conduct was dishonest. It accepted her evidence that she believed the firm’s usual processes would have ensured that the charges were paid following completion. The tribunal determined that her actions arose from errors in judgment rather than any intention to mislead.
Despite this, the tribunal found that her conduct demonstrated a lack of integrity. It stated that solicitors are required to maintain high standards of accuracy and professionalism, particularly when providing information to clients and third parties. The failure to verify the status of payments before responding to enquiries fell below those standards.
In mitigation, the tribunal noted that Djan-Krofa had practised for nearly 20 years without prior disciplinary findings. It also acknowledged the pressures she faced during the relevant period, including staffing issues and personal circumstances, which affected her ability to manage the matter effectively.
The tribunal imposed a 12-month suspension, suspended for 24 months, alongside the £20,000 fine. It also ordered that her firm must employ an independent finance director for a specified period to strengthen financial oversight.
The decision highlights the importance of ensuring that undertakings are fulfilled and that accurate information is provided in conveyancing transactions. It also reinforces the regulatory expectation that solicitors must verify financial records before communicating with clients or other legal representatives.