Andrew Robb Currie

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

Andrew Robb Currie, a solicitor admitted in 1986, acted for purchasers buying from related vendor companies while also acting for the institutional lenders. Across eleven conveyancing transactions (Sept 1992–April 1993), he failed to disclose to mortgagee clients vendor allowances, 'back to back' transactions, and discrepancies between contract prices and sums actually paid, and acted in conflict of interest situations. The Tribunal found both remaining allegations substantiated (uncontested). The applicant expressly did not allege dishonesty or mortgage fraud. Criminal proceedings ended without conviction or acquittal for technical reasons. The Tribunal ordered indefinite suspension from 26 February 1998 and costs to be taxed if not agreed.

Duties found breached:

• Disclose material information to client
• No own-interest conflict

Aggravating factors:

• Eleven suspicious conveyancing transactions over a seven-month period bearing hallmarks of mortgage fraud
• Aware of Law Society 'green card' mortgage fraud warning yet did not act on it
• Failed to comply with specific lender instructions in some cases
• Ignored an express written reminder from vendor's solicitors to disclose the position to mortgagees
• Slovenly paperwork; described an allowance as a 'deposit' and prepared financial statements not reflecting reality
• 'Sausage machine' attitude to transactions

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted the allegations
• Relatively young and inexperienced solicitor at the material time
• Clients introduced by another firm of solicitors at a low fixed fee
• No allegation or finding of mortgage fraud or dishonesty
• Resigned from firm in 1995 and suffered prolonged hardship and debt during pending proceedings
• Long delay in proceedings pending criminal trial