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There is a wider discussion to be had with these cases, and that is, why are so many solicitors of considerable experience and ability so terrified of mistakes that serious professional misconduct to cover them up is preferable to admitting a **** up?

The answer to that lies in the SRA code of conduct that actually makes it a conduct issue not to provide a "good level of service", meaning that even mistakes are within the SRA's penal jurisdiction.

Secondly you have the insurers, where a claim can cause some firms serious even firm ending problems come renewal time.

Thirdly you have the legal ombudsman, who's claim handlers are of the opinion that the legal profession is a bottomless pit of cash to award whiny clients (sorry, "consumers").

Until this is addressed so that solicitors aren't so pressured into their mistakes being the end of the world, things like this will keep happening.