Nigel Copeland

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

The Respondent, admitted 1956, was instructed by Mr M in 1990 to pursue a claim against Manchester City Council. He wrote letters in 1995 and 1996 falsely stating that High Court proceedings had been issued and a £5,000 offer had been made, seeking to persuade the client to settle, when no proceedings or negotiations had occurred. After the client instructed new solicitors, the claim was settled for £11,000. The Respondent also failed to reply to OSS correspondence. The Tribunal found the letters were deceitful (an 'elaborate tissue of lies') and his conduct dishonest. Despite his age (69), retirement, and his wife's ill health, and two prior Tribunal appearances (1984, 1986), he was struck off and ordered to pay costs of £1,669.19.

Duties found breached:

• No taking unfair advantage
• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• Handle inadvertently received material

Aggravating factors:

• Two previous Tribunal appearances (1984 and 1986) for similar conduct including misleading clients and failing to answer correspondence
• Prior fines of £1,500 (1984) and £2,500 (1986)
• Conduct prejudiced the position of the client
• Sought to blame others without giving any explanation for his conduct

Mitigating factors:

• Aged 69 and no longer in practice (retired 31 May 2002, surrendered practising certificate)
• Wife in serious ill health
• Admitted the allegations and expressed remorse
• Had already repaid £4,000 to the client plus £1,000 costs