Solicitor struck off after repeated accounting failures and regulatory defiance

Gurpinar struck off and partner suspended after failing accounts rules and ignoring regulators

A solicitor has been struck off the Roll following a catalogue of accounting failures, regulatory breaches, and professional misconduct that left clients and the profession exposed to serious risk. Kemal Howard Gurpinar, admitted as a solicitor in November 2001, faced the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal over multiple allegations spanning late delivery of accountant reports, mishandling client funds, and practising without proper approval for a limited liability partnership (LLP). His appeal against the tribunal’s sanction was dismissed by Lord Justice Moore-Bick on 17 November 2011.

The disciplinary proceedings, heard on 22 April 2010, were chaired by Mrs K. Todner and involved panel members Mr J.C. Chesterton and Mrs L. McMahon-Hathway. Gurpinar failed to appear, and the tribunal proceeded in his absence after concluding he had been properly served and had ignored repeated directions to submit a defence.

Gurpinar ran his own practice under the style Howard Gurpinar & Co in Tottenham High Road, London. He repeatedly delivered accountant’s reports late, including for the six-month periods ending 31 March 2007 and 31 March 2008, in clear breach of conditions attached to his practising certificate and the Solicitors Act 1974. Additionally, Gurpinar failed to attend a mandatory immigration law course, as required by his practising certificate, and did not provide confirmation of attendance despite repeated requests from the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

Investigations revealed serious breaches of client account rules. An inspection of Gurpinar’s books identified overdrafts and shortages, including a notable shortfall of £2,830.69 and an unresolved deficit of £822.50 that persisted for almost twelve months. The tribunal found that Gurpinar delayed correcting these breaches, further endangering client funds and undermining professional standards.

Gurpinar’s misconduct extended to his partnership with a second solicitor, known in the proceedings as [Respondent 2]. The partnership failed to maintain proper accounting records, deposited client money into office accounts in violation of the 1998 Solicitors Accounts Rules, and operated as an LLP without prior approval from the SRA. While [Respondent 2] claimed he had acted in good faith and had no intention to mislead, the tribunal held that all three allegations against him were substantiated.

The tribunal concluded that Gurpinar was incapable of being properly regulated, exposing the public to risk and bringing discredit to the profession. Consequently, he was struck off the Roll of Solicitors. In contrast, the second respondent, whose involvement was less egregious, received a one-year suspension and was required to pay £3,189.76 in costs. Gurpinar was ordered to pay £32,993.56 in costs covering the proceedings against him alone and jointly with his partner.

The tribunal’s findings emphasised that Gurpinar’s persistent disregard for regulatory requirements, failure to maintain client accounts, and delay in fulfilling statutory obligations demonstrated a fundamental inability to operate within the rules of the profession. The SRA had previously attempted multiple interventions, but Gurpinar continued to ignore their communications, further justifying the tribunal’s severe sanction.

This case underscores the critical importance of strict compliance with professional and regulatory obligations in the legal sector. Mismanagement of client funds, delayed reporting, and unauthorised business structures not only compromise client interests but also threaten public confidence in the legal system. Gurpinar’s removal serves as a stark warning to practitioners that persistent breaches and regulatory defiance carry the gravest consequences.