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I take a harsh view of the standard of a solicitor. Regardless of the pressures of work you do not abrogate your duties. Ever. If you do and there is an intention to deceive then you are out.

I distinguish the deception from mistake or oversight or simply getting something wrong or being slow. Those can all be resolved by a frank admission and then putting things right.

I see the correct path as the solicitor concerned telling their firm that they cannot cope. If that is ignored then walk with constructive dismissal if needed.

That said, I have the greatest of sympathy for those whose careers are over because of a moment of weakness or what amounts to intolerable pressures of work. We have a high standard and it is so easy to slip, and that in some ways why the punishment has to be so stiff. Almost akin to being shot if you take a step backwards when going over the top.

I appreciate the above will come across as pompous, but this is simply because I feel very strongly about it.