An Irwin Mitchell paralegal has been banned from legal practice without prior approval by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) after fabricating correspondence with clients and informing them that they would receive a higher compensation award than was agreed to.

An SRA adjudicator found that Simranjit Singh, who was employed in Irwin Mitchell's Sheffield office, fabricated two emails and a faxed document, provided incorrect information to clients about settlement of their cases, failed to inform clients and a defendant about offers to settle the claims, and failed to notify the court a hearing was not needed, resulting in a wasted costs order.

Singh accepted his work fell below the standards that were required and now cannot be employed or remunerated as a solicitor, registered European lawyer, manager or employee of a recognised body in connection with their practice without permission in writing from the SRA.

It is unclear whether or not Singh will appeal the order, which came into effect in August, in front of a solicitors disciplinary tribunal.

A spokesperson for Irwin Mitchell said: "We strongly condemn any activity that contravenes the SRA's regulations and view client care as our number one priority. Once we became aware of the actions of Mr Simranjit Singh we notified the SRA and took appropriate disciplinary action.

"Mr Singh is no longer an employee of the firm and has not been an employee for a period of almost two years. We can confirm that none of our clients have suffered any financial loss as a result of Mr Singh's actions."