Harjinder Saundh is a key member of the professional misconduct and criminal law team at Thompsons Solicitors’ Newcastle office. Although based in the North East, Harjinder also covers cases in other parts of the country including Yorkshire and Humberside region.
Having qualified in 2008, Harjinder specialises in professional misconduct work, representing clients mainly in the health sector, including nurses, midwives, paramedics and social workers who are facing allegations of professional misconduct. She also works in the education sector where she represents school teachers.
Her cases involve dealing with allegations of misconduct, including dishonesty, lack of competence and cases where a health problem affect a person’s ability to practise. She also represents clients whose fitness to practise is called into question due to a criminal conviction or caution.
Her main responsibilities involve acting for clients at all stages of proceedings which include reviewing the evidence, advising clients on their case, preparing and advising clients on early responses to the regulator and preparing the case for interim and final hearings. Harjinder’s aim is always to provide sound advice to achieve the best and most lenient outcome for her client during what can be a very long and distressing process.
Harjinder had ten years Post-Qualified Experience, seven years specialising in employment law and professional misconduct cases and three years solely concentrating on the latter.
Harjinder enjoys working for a firm that is committed to social justice. She is proud to be part of a dynamic and professional organisiation which represents the interest of working people. In particular she appreciates the fact that her work is different from other solicitors’ firms as all her clients are union members. Through the legal services the firm provides to unions she is able to represent clients who otherwise may not be able to afford the professional help and advice she is able to give them.
When not at work, Harjinder enjoys spending time with her family.
Harjinder’s case experience
- Harjinder was asked to represent a health professional who faced allegations relating to her capability and competence. Harjinder immediately submitted an early response to the Health and Care Professions Council along with evidence showing that the concerns raised about the client had been resolved. The council found there was no case to answer.
- Following serious allegations of sexual misconduct, Harjinder’s client was referred to the Nursing and Midwifery Council. After hearing the very detailed defence that Harjinder prepared, the council’s panel found that the allegations against the member could not be proven and therefore found there was no case to answer.
- Harjinder represented a health professional in a case concerning very serious allegations of dishonesty, which the client admitted. Harjinder prepared a statement and advised the client on how best to respond to the allegations in order to show the regulatory panel hearing the case that she understood the seriousness of her actions and would never again be dishonest. The panel accepted the evidence and concluded that a “caution” - the most lenient sanction available - would be suitable.