Disciplinary Record - Darren Hanison

Decision - Prosecution

Outcome: Referral to Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal

Outcome date: 24 May 2024

Published date: 14 May 2025

Firm details

Firm or organisation at time of matters giving rise to outcome

Name: Fortitude Law

Address(es): 17a Oathall Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 3EG

Firm ID: 623379

Outcome details

This outcome was reached by SRA decision.

Reasons/basis

This notification relates to a Decision to prosecute before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. This is an independent Tribunal which will reach its own decision after considering all the evidence, including any evidence put forward by the Solicitor. The Tribunal has certified that there is a case to answer in respect of allegations which are or include that Mr Hanison :- 

1. Failed to take instructions from a client in relation to offers in litigation.
2. Told a client she was receiving a settlement but did not tell her that this was after taking nearly half of the offered amount in costs.
3. Failed to deal with requests for payments from a third party.
4. Made misleading demands for costs.
5. Misled another party as to the payment of costs.
6. Misled another party as to taking instructions on offers.
7. Dishonestly kept settlement money to pay supposed success fees.
8. Failed to ensure clients had valid After the Event (ATE) insurance policies in place.
9. Misled clients into thinking they were not at risk of payment of costs if they lost the litigation.
10. Misled third parties and the SRA as to the existence of ATE insurance.
11. Submitted a false public indemnity insurance proposal.
12. Created fake insurance policy schedules.
13. Did not act in clients' best interests.
14. Provided misleading information to clients. 

The allegations are subject to a Hearing before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal and are as yet unproven.

Decision - Closure

Outcome: Intervention

Outcome date: 18 May 2023

Published date: 22 May 2023

Firm details

Firm or organisation at date of publication and at time of matters giving rise to outcome

Name: Fortitude Law

Address(es): 17a Oathall Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 3EG

Firm ID: 623379

Outcome details

This outcome was reached by SRA decision.

Decision details

To intervene into the recognised sole practice of Darren Hanison who practised as Fortitude Law

Reasons/basis

1. There is reason to suspect dishonesty by Mr Hanison in connection with his practice (paragraph 1(1)(a)(i) Schedule 1 Solicitors Act 1974 as amended).
2. Mr Hanison has failed to comply with rules made under sections 31, 32 and 37(2)(c) of the Solicitors Act 1974 (as amended) (paragraph 1(1)(c) Schedule 1 to the Act).

Intervening agents

Chris Evans of Lester Aldridge, Russell House, Oxford Road, Bournemouth, BH8 8EX has been appointed as the intervening agent.

For enquiries please call 01202 786341 or email Intervention.Enquiries@LA-Law.com