Andrew Gibb

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

Andrew Gibb, a sole practitioner, faced 12 allegations including two of dishonesty. He failed to settle conveyancing arrears, failed to comply with an SRA section 44B Notice, failed to deal openly with the SRA, failed to comply with Adjudicator directions to pay a client and the LCS, provided poor service in two probate matters, and failed to pay indemnity insurance premiums. The Tribunal found he dishonestly told the SRA he had sent a file when he had not, and dishonestly told the LCS he had applied for a Grant of Probate when no application had been made (concealing the original Will). Applying the Twinsectra test, dishonesty was found on both occasions. The Respondent did not attend and was bankrupt. The Tribunal found no exceptional circumstances and struck him off, ordering costs of £8,328.

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• Act only on proper, lawful instructions
• Advise on alternatives, settlement and outcome
• No conflict between current clients
• Handle inadvertently received material
• Professional indemnity insurance

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty found on two separate occasions
• Multiple clients suffered greatly and immense distress
• Conduct and delay took place over an extended period of time
• Concealing missing original Will by falsely claiming it had been sent to Winchester Probate Registry

Mitigating factors:

• No previous disciplinary matters