Samantha Anne Lee
JurisdictionEngland & Wales
BodySolicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT)
Professionsolicitor
Case number12500/2023
Date18/10/2023
OutcomeStrike off
Allegation / charges
Lack of Integrity, Misappropriation of Client Account, Recklessness, Solicitors Accounts Rules 2011, SRA Authorisation Rules, SRA Principles 2011, SRA Principles 2019
Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision
SanctionStrike Off
CostsGBP 6,583
Dishonesty foundNo
Duties found breached:
- Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
- Act only on proper, lawful instructions
- Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank
- Prompt accounting and return of money
Aggravating factors:
- Admitted reckless conduct in material breach of obligations to protect the public and maintain confidence in the profession
- Conduct continued over a five year period
- Improper use of significant client money for her own benefit (personal remuneration) and that of the firm
- Significant harm to the profession's reputation and to third-party suppliers, who were owed over £647,000 at administration