Harry Francis Cottam

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

Harry Francis Cottam, sole director, COLP and COFA of Cottams Solicitors Limited, was found to have caused or allowed improper transfers totalling £175,115.44 from client to office account on two matters (RCG and JB) between May 2016 and May 2018, breaching SRA Accounts Rule 20.1 and Principles 2, 4, 6 and 10 (Allegation 1.1 PROVED, with an express finding of dishonesty). The allegation that he prepared or caused to be prepared false invoices (Allegation 1.2) was NOT PROVED. Cottam blamed his bookkeeper TN, but the Tribunal found he caused the improper transfers and acted dishonestly. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay £4,000 costs. A subsequent High Court appeal (Cottam v SRA [2025] EWHC 1965 (Admin)) was dismissed.

Duties found breached:

• Act in the client's best interests
• No conflict between current clients
• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank