A director whose firm was shut down by the regulator has now been barred from being involved in the profession.
Jarmans Solicitors, based in Sittingbourne, was closed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority almost a year ago on the basis of suspected dishonesty from its owner Dorota Newman.
In a newly published notice, the SRA states that Newman has authorised 18 improper transfers from the client to office account, causing a shortage of around £3,700. It was not explained why she had moved the money.
Newman was also found to have failed to ensure the firm’s books of account were maintained in compliance with SRA accounts rules. The regulator said she had breached her duties as a law firm owner and manager, and it was undesirable for her to act as a head of legal practice, head of finance and administration, a manager or an employee of an authorised body. She must also pay £1,350 costs.
Jarmans dated back more than 150 years and was well known locally for sponsoring the town’s football stadium and supporting local charities. The business was dissolved last month.
Newman’s background was as a fashion designer and interior designer. She was appointed director of the firm in January 2022, with the firm’s Instagram post to mark the takeover talking about her ‘incredible drive and passion for law’ and describing her as a ‘woman of integrity and sophistication’.
