A former employee at a motoring law firm faces consequences after being found to have engaged in misconduct. Nathan Blake, previously associated with Patterson Law Limited in Devon, has been prohibited from assuming certain roles within firms regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). This action comes following revelations that Blake backdated an adjournment request and was involved in the drafting of other concerning documents, all of which were discovered during a review of his caseload.
Among the documents flagged were representations sent to law enforcement and a single justice procedure notice, raising questions as to the necessity of their backdating. Despite Blake’s claim of no recollection regarding one of the documents, the SRA deemed his actions dishonest and lacking in integrity. As part of an agreed resolution, Blake is now disqualified from holding positions such as head of legal practice or head of finance and administration within licensed bodies.
The SRA highlighted Blake’s admission of panic-induced misconduct and his subsequent cooperation with the investigation. Although Blake did not benefit financially from his actions, he has agreed to cover the costs of the SRA investigation. This case underscores the importance of integrity and honesty within the legal profession, with regulatory bodies like the SRA taking firm action to uphold professional standards and maintain public trust in legal services.
Source: Employee who backdated documents disqualified from certain roles by SRA | Law Gazette
