The number of student plagiarism appeals are on the rise according to leading higher education solicitor Mr Zach Esdaile. Zach who is part of a team handling University law cases argues that the number of students seeking legal advice in this area has taken an unprecedented upturn. "Plagiarism is a serious charge" argues Mr Esdaile " It basically says that a student has attempted to gain an academic advantage over his or her peers. It is also arguably a criminal offence, as an employer may claim that a person who is seeking to better their grades are in fact seeking to obtain a pecuniary advantage by deception." The team at Sinclairslaw have recently reported that the national news has highlighted that there may be a "student cheating crisis". According to Mr Esdaile Solicitor within the firm's twickenham office - this is somewhat unsurprising particularly given the rise of technological approaches. Zach reports that the Twickenham office at Sinclairslaw have handled 32% more student plagiarism appeals this year - far higher than that reported last year. Vida Simpeh who with Zach works in this area echoed the views of Mr Esdaile. She says "The number of foreign students who are often caught in this predicament is clearly on the rise. I have been involved in a number of student plagiarism appeals since joining Sinclairslaw, and what is telling is the number of people who argue that they simply made a mistake" But according to University lawyer Adam Friel a mistake may be enough to show academic misconduct. Universities in this country have different definitions as to what will qualify as plagiarism. "students" he says "need to read the University guidance very clearly when submitting pieces of work".