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I acted in this case and its been misread by some of the comments on the other feed. This case was not about degrees of dishonesty, it was purely about exceptional circumstances and whether the circumstances justified a departure from the normal outcome of striking off in a dishonesty case.

At this stage I do not wish to comment on the specifics of the findings not least as it is still open to the SRA to appeal but it is worth noting exceptional circumstances cases are naturally rare. Successfully argued ones rarer still.

The Tribunal found the position here compelling, and unique, based on the evidence it heard. I very much hope my client can now rebuild her career quietly as she would wish.

No one reading this case should think that dishonesty is more accepted by the Tribunal - the careful, reasoned decision of the Tribunal was that exceptional circumstances arose and uniquely justified the outcome they determined.

Moving forward Law firms reading this judgment need to ensure they focus on any mental health issues arising as guided by the Tribunal. We are fortunate to live in an enlightened age with mental health spoken about openly and constructively. The Tribunal has eloquently set out its expectations for firms in the future but that is a far wider point than the specific case itself.

My article of managing mental health for the Law Society's Managing For Success Magazine can be found here:

http://communities.lawsociety.org.uk/law-management/magazine/october-2017/under-pressure/5063104.article