Gans & Co employee banned after SRA found he falsely claimed firm represented client in case
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has barred Sam Ulegede, a non-solicitor employee at Gans & Co Solicitors LLP, from working in any regulated legal practice without prior approval, after finding he acted dishonestly in dealings with both the court and counsel.
The regulator’s decision, published on 29 September 2025, followed events dating back to April 2025, when Ulegede misrepresented his firm’s involvement in a case.
According to the SRA, Ulegede submitted a Notice of Acting to the court using his firm’s email address, requesting that Gans & Co Solicitors LLP be placed on record as acting for the applicant. In reality, the firm had not been instructed in the matter, and his actions were taken without its knowledge.
The regulator found that Ulegede had undertaken the case in a personal capacity, while falsely suggesting to both the court and instructed counsel that Gans & Co was representing the client.
The SRA concluded that this conduct was dishonest and had the potential to undermine public confidence in the integrity of the legal profession.
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As a result, the regulator imposed a Section 43 order under the Solicitors Act 1974, restricting Ulegede from being employed or remunerated in connection with legal practice without the SRA’s prior written approval. The order also prevents him from holding ownership or management roles in any recognised body.
The decision notice stated: “Mr Ulegede’s conduct was serious because he was dishonest, and his actions had the potential to damage public trust and confidence in the profession.”
In addition to the restrictions, Ulegede was ordered to pay £600 towards the SRA’s investigation costs.
Gans & Co Solicitors LLP, based in Rye Lane, Peckham, London, was identified as the firm where Ulegede worked at the time of the misconduct. The SRA emphasised that the firm itself was not instructed in the matter and had no knowledge of Ulegede’s actions.
Section 43 orders are among the most serious sanctions available for non-solicitor employees, reflecting the regulator’s determination to uphold honesty and integrity across the profession. Such orders prevent individuals who have acted dishonestly or unethically from continuing to work in the sector without oversight.
The case underlines the risks posed when staff misrepresent their firm’s involvement in proceedings. By falsely linking a regulated practice to a case, Ulegede’s actions could have misled the court, counsel, and the client, damaging confidence in legal services.
Publishing the decision, the regulator reiterated its message that honesty is a fundamental requirement in all roles within legal practice, whether performed by qualified solicitors or support staff. Dishonesty of any kind, it stressed, is incompatible with working in the profession.
The restrictions against Ulegede are effective immediately, ensuring he cannot return to work in an SRA-regulated setting without prior authorisation.