In 2021, XYZ Law’s insurer discovered the acquisition and questioned Dadu regarding the changes to his firm’s operations. The insurer’s inquiry also prompted the SRA to launch an investigation into Dadu’s conduct.
Misleading Statements on Insurance Forms
The SRA alleges that when Dadu completed a new insurance proposal form, he falsely stated that his firm’s operations had not significantly changed and that XYZ Law was not under investigation. Edwards argued that Dadu was aware these statements were untrue due to the firm’s acquisition of Notary Express and the SRA’s ongoing probe.
“The respondent, in completing and submitting the form that contained untrue and misleading information, meant that he misled them or attempted to mislead them,” Edwards said during the hearing.
Defense Denies Dishonesty
Dadu, represented by Susanna Heley of Weightmans LLP, denied being dishonest or attempting to mislead the insurer. He maintained that the information provided on the insurance forms was accurate to the best of his knowledge at the time. However, Dadu admitted that he failed to inform his insurer of a material change in his practice.
