Christopher Paul Harrison

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

Christopher Paul Harrison, admitted 1979, was found to have committed conduct unbefitting a solicitor across multiple conveyancing transactions in which he acted for vendor, purchaser and lender without consent. He failed to disclose material information (true purchase prices, source/destination of funds) to lender clients, signed Certificates of Title falsely stating he was not acting for vendors, and in the BL and LP matters declared transfers were not for money and avoided Stamp Duty. The Tribunal found all allegations proved. It made express findings of dishonesty in respect of the Stamp Duty/transfer statements (BL, LP) and the failure to convey material information to Lender clients (BL, LP, TC, 2 MP St, 1CH), applying the Twinsectra test. The Respondent admitted all facts and breaches but denied dishonesty; he did not attend. On allegation 14 (secret profit from overcharging telegraphic transfer fees and search disbursements) the Tribunal found a breach of Rule 15 but did NOT find dishonesty proved. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £13,688.42.

Duties found breached:

• Disclose material information to client
• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues
• Handle inadvertently received material
• Honesty
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper communication with the court
• No own-interest conflict
• No taking unfair advantage
• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• Not misrepresent regulated status
• Proper basis for allegations