Former Coles Miller employee stole client money for personal use, SRA issues Section 43 ban
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has banned former Coles Miller Solicitors LLP employee Emma Charlotte Pearce from working in any regulated legal practice without prior permission, after finding that she stole thousands of pounds from vulnerable clients.
Pearce, also known as Emma Charlotte Amey, misappropriated client funds over a two-year period while working at the Poole-based firm. The SRA’s decision, published on 29 September 2025, followed misconduct first uncovered in January 2024.
Investigators found that Pearce, who is not a solicitor, carried out numerous unauthorised cash withdrawals, forged cheques and processed fraudulent money transfers. She used the stolen funds, totalling more than £7,000, to pay her personal household bills.
The thefts came to light when a fraudulent cheque was detected early in 2024. When questioned, Pearce admitted wrongdoing immediately and disclosed additional incidents of dishonesty that the firm had not previously identified. Coles Miller dismissed her summarily for gross misconduct.
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The SRA concluded that Pearce’s behaviour was “serious” because it involved the theft of substantial sums from vulnerable clients, carried out repeatedly and over an extended period. It described her actions as a clear abuse of trust, undermining confidence in the profession.
As a result, the regulator imposed a Section 43 order under the Solicitors Act 1974. This restricts her from working in, owning, or having any managerial role within an SRA-regulated practice without explicit prior written approval. The restrictions mean no solicitor, law firm, or employee of a law firm may employ or remunerate her in connection with legal practice.
The SRA’s decision stated: “Ms Pearce’s conduct was dishonest and involved the abuse of a position of trust, undermining the integrity of the legal profession.”
Pearce was also ordered to contribute £600 towards the SRA’s investigation costs.
The Section 43 order is designed to safeguard the public by ensuring that individuals who have demonstrated serious dishonesty cannot continue to work within the profession unchecked. Although the SRA may, in rare cases, grant permission for future employment, such decisions are only made when robust safeguards are in place.
Coles Miller Solicitors LLP, located at Parkstone Road in Poole, Dorset, was identified as Pearce’s employer at the time of the misconduct. The firm, which operates under SRA firm ID 440598, was not complicit in her actions and took immediate steps after the fraud was identified.
The regulator emphasised that dishonesty involving client money is one of the gravest breaches of professional trust, particularly where vulnerable clients are involved. It reiterated that such behaviour will result in decisive regulatory intervention.
By publishing the decision, the SRA aimed to underline the profession’s accountability to the public and reinforce confidence in the legal system.