Mahesh
Chouhan
Solicitor
413687
Decision - Prosecution
Outcome: Referral to Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal
Outcome date: 9 November 2022
Published date: 11 May 2023
Firm details
Firm or organisation at time of matters giving rise to outcome
Name: MMC Solicitors
Address(es): 74 Cranford Drive, Hayes, London UB3 4LB
Firm ID: 630446
Outcome details
This outcome was reached by SRA decision.
Reasons/basis
This notification relates to a Decision to prosecute before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. This is an independent Tribunal which will reach its own decision after considering all the evidence, including any evidence put forward by the Solicitor. The Tribunal has certified that there is a case to answer in respect of allegations which are or include whilst a sole practitioner at MMC Solicitors and while practising as a Solicitor, he:
- Between 10 May 2017 and 8 February 2020, provided information to a client which informed her that legal proceedings in respect of a claim to recover outstanding rent arrears had been issued and were ongoing. This information was false, and Mr Chouhan knew it was false; >
- Between 14 October 2019 and 8 February 2020, held himself out as a solicitor who was entitled to practise, when he was not by virtue of his practising certificate being initially suspended on 20 September 2019, and thereafter expiring on 31 October 2019;
- Between 15 November 2020 and 4 February 2021, Mr Chouhan provided information to the SRA that he had not undertaken any legal work or corresponded with any clients. This information was false, and Mr Chouhan knew it was false;
- Between 18 April 2017 and 4 February 2019, received money from a client into the Firm’s Business Account which he did not:
- Keep separate from money belonging to himself or the Firm;
- Keep safely in a bank or building society account identifiable as a client account;
- Use only for that client matter.
The allegations are subject to a Hearing before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal and are as yet unproven.