Regulatory barrister Ros Scott Bell together with Mary O’Rourke Q.C. are representing Claire Matthews in her Administrative Court appeal on a pro bono basis.
Claire Matthews is a former junior solicitor who was struck off following a recent Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) where it determined that she had lied to colleagues about losing confidential documents on a train.
In her appeal, Claire Matthews' team will argue that the SDT failed to investigate and take into account the significant impact the incident had on her mental health. In turn, erring in its misconduct and dishonesty findings by concluding that the case did not fall under 'exceptional circumstances'. She will further argue that the strike off was excessive and disproportionate.
In the event of an adverse costs order from the High Court against her, a GoFundMe page has been set up. Any surplus funds will be donated to LawCare, a charity promoting wellbeing and mental health support in the legal profession.