Oliver Moelwyn Davies

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

Solicitor admitted in 1979 and managing partner of a firm intervened into in December 2000. An OSS inspection found numerous office account credit balances, unexplained round-sum transfers from client to office account, a cash shortage, failure to account for VAT, conveyancing delays, overcharging, misleading mortgagees about registration, and breaches of undertakings. The allegations included one of dishonesty (allegation 1, framed in the alternative), but the Tribunal made no express finding of dishonesty—it found the Respondent had not acted with the probity, integrity and trustworthiness required. This was his third appearance before the Tribunal (fined £10,500 in 1999, indefinitely suspended in 2001). The Tribunal ordered him struck off the Roll and to pay costs of £16,979.83 (comprising £2,251.50 applicant costs and £14,728.33 ICO costs).

Duties found breached:

• Honesty
• Fair dealing with unrepresented parties
• Keep client informed and respond promptly
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Prompt accounting and return of money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Diligence and timeliness
• Supervise staff and delegated work
• Honour professional undertakings
• No improper solicitation or touting