BEWARE THE BOGUS LAWYER

We are often behind the times,  largely because of our dilatoriness,  so that all too often we get to know things many months - or even many years - down the line.  This particular blog is one such matter but,  we suppose,  better late than never.  Also,  we have nothing better to do this Christmas Day. 

We have become aware of what we have been told is a former lawyer plying his trade in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland without holding a Practising Licence issued by the Law Society and doing a good trade on the west side of Lewis.   This individual,  an alcoholic in his early 50s,  passes himself off as an expert in Land Law when, in reality,  he is  a chancer without shame.  There is a strong suggestion that  he could be a struck-off lawyer with a serious disciplinary record but,  since we don't know the man's identity,  we cannot confirm that.

Also,  we are told that this man has an unhealthily close connection to a local newsman   and that the two work in tandem with one providing the stories and the other the press coverage.  That,  most certainly,  does not bode well.

We know we are not the brightest but can anyone answer this - how,  in this world,  can an individual appear in the courts without holding a valid Practising Licence?

Whatever the true position,  the bottom line is that anyone who engages him obviously does so at his,  or her,  peril.  When something goes wrong - as sure it will - whoever engages him will have no recourse to the Law Society's safeguards.  And,  as we know,  it is a criminal offence to act as a solicitor without holding a current Practising Licence,  so we should all beware.