A former head of costs with a leading London firm has been banned from working with the profession after taking £10,000 from the office account.

According to a notice published by the SRA, Karen Joanne Medley took the money while employed as head of costs by Fisher Meredith LLP. She worked at the firm for more than six years until June 2016.

Medley was convicted in October 2017 on one count of fraudulent abuse of position and was given a nine-month sentence, suspended for 24 months.

The SRA said Medley was found in breach of three of its principles following her conviction at Central London Magistrates Court. She was rebuked and ordered to pay £600 costs. Medley will be subject to a section 43 order which prevents her working for any other SRA regulated firm without the regulator's permission.

It is understood the theft did not involve client money. Court News UK reported last year that Medley had forged documents which made eight transactions look like damages payments. She was spared jail after the judge told her it was a ‘real tragedy to see someone like you in the dock’.

Fisher Meredith was acquired in 2017 by fellow London firm Bishop & Sewell to create a £9m practice.