Sean Michael Callaghan

Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision

Sean Michael Callaghan, a solicitor and part-time Deputy District Judge, admitted misappropriating monies from his employers (BTMK and Palmers) and/or their clients over a period exceeding sixteen years, totalling approximately £250,000 at BTMK and over £37,000 at Palmers. Methods included doctored invoices, over-stating sums due, and transferring funds to accounts he controlled. He accepted his conduct was dishonest. The Tribunal, dealing with the matter on the papers via an Agreed Outcome, found the admissions properly made and, finding no exceptional circumstances, struck him off the Roll of Solicitors and ordered him to pay costs of £1,500 (reduced given his bankruptcy and limited means).

Duties found breached:

• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank
• No conflict between current clients
• Prompt accounting and return of money

Aggravating factors:

• Conduct was dishonest
• Conduct involved commission of a fraudulent, criminal offence
• Conduct occurred over a significant period (16+ years) and was repeated
• Respondent concealed the wrongdoing including attempting to redact bank statements
• Breach of position of trust as a Deputy District Judge and Head of Commercial Property
• Very experienced solicitor aware of the relevant Rules and Principles
• Provided false information to employers and clients

Mitigating factors:

• Open and frank admissions at an early stage
• Degree of cooperation with the SRA
• Repaid funds to BTMK (over £104,000) and arrangements to repay Palmers
• Apologised to all concerned