Two solicitors have been found guilty of professional misconduct by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal in relation to their handling of alleged internet file-sharing cases.

The SDT found that David Gore, a partner at London firm Davenport Lyons, and former partner Brian Miller, were guilty of six breaches of the Code of Conduct.

The charges proved included ‘acting in a way that was likely to diminish the trust the public places in them or in the legal profession’, allowing their independence to be compromised, and not acting in the best interests of clients.

The SDT found they had ‘used their position as solicitors to take or attempt to take unfair advantage of other persons, being recipients of letters of claim, either for their own benefit or for the benefit of their clients’.

The hearing followed a referral by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, after consumer group Which? complained in 2008 that the pair had engaged in ‘bullying’ and ‘excessive’ conduct while acting on behalf of copyright holders.

Which? alleged that, between 2006 and 2009, Gore and Miller had sent thousands of letters to internet users, demanding compensation and costs for copyright infringements, and threatening court action.

An SRA spokesman said: ‘The SRA welcomes the decision of the SDT in this case brought for the protection of consumers.’

The tribunal has yet to decide on sanctions against the pair.

A Davenport Lyons spokeswoman said: ‘We are disappointed by the SDT’s decision.

'Once we have received the reasons for their decision we will consider whether or not to appeal.’