Neil Harget

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

Neil Harget, admitted 1992 and practising as a sole principal, was found guilty of conduct unbefitting a solicitor for failing to keep proper accounts, failing to produce books for inspection, practising without a Practising Certificate after 22 July 1996, failing to deliver an Accountant's Report, and abandoning his practice. He did not attend; his adjournment request (citing hospital admission) was refused after his mother-in-law told the applicant he was on holiday. No dishonesty was alleged. The Tribunal ordered indefinite suspension and costs of £864, noting a prior March 1997 finding against him for accounts breaches (£1,000 fine).

Duties found breached:

• Proper termination and return of instructions
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Hold a current practising certificate
• Report serious misconduct of others
• No improper solicitation or touting

Aggravating factors:

• Abandoned practice to the detriment of clients and concern of other professionals
• Prior disciplinary finding in March 1997 (accounts breaches, misuse of client funds) resulting in £1,000 fine
• Failed to comply with arrangements for orderly transfer of clients' files
• Non-cooperation with the investigation and the Office

Mitigating factors:

• No allegation or finding of dishonesty
• In the earlier matter, cash shortage speedily repaid and no client had suffered loss
• Inexperienced solicitor