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The founder of controversial law firm Asons appeared at a disciplinary hearing yesterday morning.
Kamran Akram, one of the founders of the Churchgate-based firm, appeared before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal at 10am on Monday.
He was there to answer allegations including inflated costs, falsified or fake claims and failing to run his practice or carry out his roles for Asons effectively.
The matter is listed to be heard every day this week and again on Monday, Tuesday, Friday, May 21, 22 and 25.
Mr Akram is being represented by Natalie Jervis of Capsticks Solicitors LLB.
The allegations brought against Mr Akram by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) are that:
- Between late 2013 and early 2015, he caused or permitted the presentation of applications for costs in personal injury claims which systematically misrepresented the grade of relevant fee earners so as to increase the level of recoverable costs.
- Between late 2013 and early 2015, he caused or permitted the presentation of claims for special damages which contained particulars that were false in that the event, loss or treatment alleged to have given rise to the special damages claim had not occurred or did not exist.
- Between late 2013 and early 2015, he caused or permitted Asons to act in circumstances giving rise to a conflict of interest between Asons and its clients, specifically in relation to the resolution of personal injury claims.
- Between 24 September 2014 and 20 January 2017, he provided misleading information to the Court and/ or the SRA in relation to the false and inflated claims for costs and special damages presented on behalf of clients of Asons.
- Between 1 April 2013 and at least 18 April 2016, he caused or permitted payments of prohibited referral fees.
- Between late 2015 and 30 March 2017, he failed to run his practice or carry out his role as sole principal, COLP and COFA of Asons effectively and in accordance with proper governance and sound financial and risk management principles.
Mr Akram had his licence suspended and his practice shut down by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) last March.
In February, after a year of investigation, the SRA confirmed it was taking the case to the SDT.
In 2016, The Bolton News revealed Asons had received a £300,000 grant from Bolton Council.
After Asons ceased trading and became Coops Law last March, Mr Akram personally repaid the money to the council the day before Asons' offices were raided by the SRA.
Last February, Asons repaid an insurance company almost £70,000 after admitting to falsely inflating its legal costs.
In October, the law firm was also found guilty at Nottingham County Court of gross failures in handling a personal injury claim.
The tribunal could result in Mr Akram being struck off as a solicitor, or hit with other sanctions such as a fine or a further suspension.
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Kamran Akram, one of the founders of the Churchgate-based firm, appeared before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal at 10am on Monday.
He was there to answer allegations including inflated costs, falsified or fake claims and failing to run his practice or carry out his roles for Asons effectively.
The matter is listed to be heard every day this week and again on Monday, Tuesday, Friday, May 21, 22 and 25.
Mr Akram is being represented by Natalie Jervis of Capsticks Solicitors LLB.
The allegations brought against Mr Akram by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) are that:
- Between late 2013 and early 2015, he caused or permitted the presentation of applications for costs in personal injury claims which systematically misrepresented the grade of relevant fee earners so as to increase the level of recoverable costs.
- Between late 2013 and early 2015, he caused or permitted the presentation of claims for special damages which contained particulars that were false in that the event, loss or treatment alleged to have given rise to the special damages claim had not occurred or did not exist.
- Between late 2013 and early 2015, he caused or permitted Asons to act in circumstances giving rise to a conflict of interest between Asons and its clients, specifically in relation to the resolution of personal injury claims.
- Between 24 September 2014 and 20 January 2017, he provided misleading information to the Court and/ or the SRA in relation to the false and inflated claims for costs and special damages presented on behalf of clients of Asons.
- Between 1 April 2013 and at least 18 April 2016, he caused or permitted payments of prohibited referral fees.
- Between late 2015 and 30 March 2017, he failed to run his practice or carry out his role as sole principal, COLP and COFA of Asons effectively and in accordance with proper governance and sound financial and risk management principles.
Mr Akram had his licence suspended and his practice shut down by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) last March.
In February, after a year of investigation, the SRA confirmed it was taking the case to the SDT.
In 2016, The Bolton News revealed Asons had received a £300,000 grant from Bolton Council.
After Asons ceased trading and became Coops Law last March, Mr Akram personally repaid the money to the council the day before Asons' offices were raided by the SRA.
Last February, Asons repaid an insurance company almost £70,000 after admitting to falsely inflating its legal costs.
In October, the law firm was also found guilty at Nottingham County Court of gross failures in handling a personal injury claim.
The tribunal could result in Mr Akram being struck off as a solicitor, or hit with other sanctions such as a fine or a further suspension.
Source
