Disciplinary Record - Rajiv Chopra

Decision - Sanction

Outcome: Rebuke

Outcome date: 15 February 2023

Published date: 21 March 2023

Firm details

No detail provided:

Outcome details

This outcome was reached by SRA decision.

Decision details

Rajiv Chopra, a non-practising solicitor. He is currently practising as a barrister from Crystal Chambers, 44 Broadway, Stratford, London E15 1XH.

Reasons/basis

Summary of Decision

We have issued Mr Chopra with a rebuke for sending an email ('the email'), which identified him as a solicitor, to an individual. He copied in three other individuals who were the subject of the email. The email was offensive, derogatory and inappropriate in nature, tone and content.

Facts of the misconduct

It was found that:

1. On 7 January 2021, Mr Chopra sent an email (the email) to an individual which was copied to three other individuals. The email identified Mr Chopra as a solicitor. It set out the legal and other action Mr Chopra suggested the individual should take against the three other individuals who he alleged had acted fraudulently.

2. The three other individuals who were the subject of the email complained that the email contained offensive language and referred to wishing and/or threatening serious physical harm or potentially death upon them.

3. The email was offensive, derogatory and inappropriate in nature, tone and content. By sending the email Mr Chopra breached Principle 2 of the SRA Principles 2019. Principle 2 of the SRA Principles 2019 requires him to act in a way that upholds public trust and confidence in the solicitors’ profession and in legal services provided by authorised persons.

Decision on sanction

Mr Chopra was issued with a written rebuke and ordered to pay costs of £1,350.

This was because Mr Chopra’s conduct was serious by reference to the following factors in the SRA Enforcement Strategy:

1. Mr Chopra’s conduct caused harm.

2. He is an experienced solicitor with direct responsibility for the conduct and with full control over his behaviour.

3. A public sanction is required to maintain standards and to acknowledge there has been a breach of regulatory requirements given the finding that he breached Principle 2 of the SRA’s Principles 2019.

4. He has shown no remorse or insight into his behaviour. A rebuke will deter him and others from similar behaviour in the future.