![David Lester (senior partner at Blythe Liggins), Darryl Barnes, Jagdeep Sandher (head of dispute resolution at Blythe Liggins)[4]](https://d1d8vslyhr7rdg.cloudfront.net/Pictures/274x183/4/2/8/116428_davidlesterseniorpartneratblytheligginsdarrylbarnesjagdeepsandherheadofdisputeresolutionatblytheliggins4_981603_crop.jpg)
A solicitor-turned barrister has been rebuked by the Solicitors Regulation Authority over a threatening email sent to multiple recipients.
The regulator issued a decision notice yesterday concerning its sanction against non-practising solicitor Rajiv Chopra.
Chopra was found to have sent an email to an individual – and copied in three other people – which was ‘offensive, derogatory and inappropriate in nature, tone and content’.
The message identified Chopra as a solicitor and set out legal and other actions that the individual should take against the three others, whom he alleged had acted fraudulently.
The three other individuals who were the subject of the email complained that it contained ‘offensive language and referred to wishing and/or threatening serious physical harm or potentially death upon them’.
The SRA notice did not give details about what was said. However the regulator said the communication breached the SRA principle requiring solicitors to act in a way that upholds public trust and confidence in the solicitors’ profession and in legal services.
The rebuke was issued on the basis that Chopra’s conduct caused harm, he was an experienced solicitor with direct responsibility, and a public sanction was required to maintain standards.
The SRA added that Chopra had shown ‘no remorse or insight into his behaviour’, and it was deemed that a rebuke would deter him and others from similar behaviour in the future.
Chopra was admitted in 2004 and called to the bar in 2020. He currently practises from Crystal Chambers, a direct access provider with bases in London and Manchester.
