Women pursuing compensation for pelvic mesh injuries say they feel betrayed after a lawyer was charged with multiple allegations of professional misconduct following the closure of his firm, Fortitude Law.

The firm positioned itself as a specialist representing women harmed by pelvic mesh implants, and ran a publicity campaign with regularly posts on Facebook to attract clients.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) formally intervened in the practice of solicitor Darren Hanison, the sole practitioner at Fortitude Law, prompted by “reason to suspect dishonesty.”

That was in 2023. Now, in 2025, Mr Hanison faces multiple charges before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT). Allegations include:

• Failing to act in the best interests of clients
• Misleading clients about the value of settlements
• Withholding parts of compensation as fees without proper agreements
• Failing to secure required legal insurance for clients

The tribunal will assess these allegations and, if proven, the findings could lead to sanctions. The allegations are as yet unproven.

Reactions from Patients and Support Groups

The closure of the firm has caused understandable concern among former clients. Many women report feeling distressed and let down yet again in the ongoing mesh scandal – and tell of the need to find new legal representation at short notice, especially with important court deadlines looming.

Kath Sansom, founder of Sling The Mesh, said: “Women affected by mesh complications have already endured years of physical and emotional trauma. To now face setbacks in their legal cases due to alleged solicitor conduct issues is deeply unfair. These women deserve better. This case highlights broader concerns about the regulatory oversight of legal practitioners and a need for strengthened safeguards to protect clients – especially those navigating trauma and complex litigation.”

The SRA has published details of its intervention here.

Law Society Gazette

Legal Futures