A prominent solicitor has been jailed by a High Court judge for refusing to hand over her clients’ files after her firm was forcibly shut down.
Sophie Khan describes herself as a legal expert on Tasers and has frequently appeared on TV and radio. Her Leicester-based firm was closed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in August while it investigates her for allegations of dishonesty. It suspended her from practising, but she declined to give the SRA her files. She then repeatedly refused to do so despite two court orders and a warrant being issued for her arrest.
Mr Justice Leech has now given her a six-month sentence for contempt of court for breaching the two court orders. “I consider Ms Khan’s contempt of the court to be serious,” he said in his judgment. “Her failure to comply with the orders involved not only an attack on the administration of justice, but also defiance of her regulator.”
However, Ms Khan will not have to serve three months of the sentence if she hands over the files and various other documents and records within six weeks. She is also entitled to be released after serving half the sentence under section 258 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003. This means she will either serve three months in prison or six weeks.
Janes Solicitors, which represents Ms Khan, said in a comment to the BBC: “We are disappointed that the judge saw fit to impose any sort of prison sentence. We are urgently considering all options open to Ms Khan in respect of the findings of Mr Justice Leech and the sanctions imposed, including an appeal to the Court of Appeal.”
Her real name is Soophia Khan but she appears in the media as Sophie Khan, and her firm was called Sophie Khan & Co Ltd.
The SRA confirmed in August that it was investigating the firm over allegations of dishonesty, adding that she and the firm had failed to comply with its code of conduct and a number of rules and principles.
The BBC asked the SRA what the dishonesty allegations were, but a spokesman said he could not give details because the investigation was ongoing.
In 2019 Ms Khan was barred from holding any position at the Law Society for five years, although the Law Society has not said why. She had previously been chair of its civil justice committee.
Ms Khan seems to have a very high opinion of herself and thinks that she’s above the law … I hope that she finds out otherwise …
Sophie Khan, the solicitor jailed for defying court orders to hand over files to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), has now lost her challenge to the regulator’s decision to close her firm.
Sir Gerald Barling, sitting as a High Court judge, said the evidence indicated that she “appears to be unsuitable to carry on practice as a solicitor in any capacity”.
Describing Ms Khan’s attitude as one of “open defiance of and hostility towards the SRA as her professional regulator, and a lack of respect for the authority of the courts”, he said he had no confidence that Ms Khan would conduct any solicitors’ practice appropriately in the future.
“In the circumstances, whilst reminding myself of the caution to be exercised in relation to the draconian remedy of intervention, I have no hesitation in concluding that intervention here was and remains necessary and proportionate for the protection of clients and the public interest.”
One case of dishonesty involved Khan withholding costs due to the firm that previously employed her. A court ordered Khan to pay £79,000 to the firm but she refused and has appealed against the judgement.
“In 2019 Ms Khan was barred from holding any position at the Law Society for five years, although the Law Society has not said why. She had previously been chair of its civil justice committee”
Mrs LD said she considers 5yrs far too short and she should never be readmitted. I agree with my wife
The above is a link to the rules regarding registration with the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
The following is taken from the above pdf. But is only a small part of that pdf.
The SRA will consider criminal findings when assessing your character and
suitability, in accordance with table 1 below, subject to the Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974 and the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order)
1975, and bearing in mind the public interest in supporting the rehabilitation of
offenders.
Most serious
(A finding in this category is most likely to result in refusal.)
You have been convicted by a court of a criminal offence:
• for which you received a custodial or
suspended sentence;
• involving dishonesty, fraud, perjury
and/or bribery;
• associated with obstructing the course
of justice;
So almost certainly yes, she will never be allowed to practice again.
