Tay Soo Wan

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

The Law Society applied to make absolute an order to show cause against the respondent, an advocate and solicitor who was convicted of criminal breach of trust for dishonestly misappropriating $118,434.75 from clients between December 2000 and June 2002. He pleaded guilty to one charge (two taken into consideration) and was sentenced to 21 months' imprisonment. The High Court found due cause was shown under s 83(2)(a) LPA and, given the dishonest conduct committed in his professional capacity, ordered him struck off the roll and to bear the costs of the proceedings.

Duties found breached:

• Personal probity and fitness to practise
• No improper use of client money

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonest acts committed in capacity as advocate and solicitor, undermining public trust in the profession
• Misappropriation of $118,434.75 from various clients over an extended period (Dec 2000 to June 2002)
• Sentenced to 21 months' imprisonment