Solicitor suspended

5:08pm Tuesday 17th May 2005

A SOLICITOR who refused to co-operate with her governing body after a series of blunders was suspended indefinitely on Thursday last week.

Brenda Baldwin, 47, was told she was not competent to practice on her own and should get a partner or find a job.

But she continued with her firm for two months after the Law Society order came into force and the body had to take over her firm.

She was ordered to pay £800 compensation to a client but ignored that order too.

Baldwin also failed to file her accountant's reports for the year 2003/4.

The Solicitors' Disciplinary Tribunal heard Baldwin had run her own firm from offices at Alexandra Avenue, Harrow.

But all attempts to get in touch with including letters sent by recorded delivery have failed and she did not attend the hearing.

Mr Ian Ryan, for the Law Society said: 'It is fair to say she has not co-operated in any way.

'I have heard nothing at all from Mrs Baldwin in relation to these allegations.' The tribunal found her guilty of failing to pay the compensation, failing to comply with a condition on her practice and failing to file her report.

Chairman Anthony Gibson suspended her without comment.

Baldwin will also have to pay costs to be assessed which will be in the region of £3,000.