Michael Louis Karus

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

The Respondent, a solicitor enrolled in 1986, pled guilty in 2009 to embezzling £413,052.81 from the estate of a deceased person while acting as executor, and was sentenced to 3.5 years imprisonment (discounted from 5 years). The Tribunal held Section 53(1)(b) of the 1980 Act applied. Noting the seriousness of the offence committed in a position of trust, two prior findings of professional misconduct, but also his cooperation and repayment of funds, the Tribunal struck his name from the Roll of Solicitors. The Respondent was found liable for expenses and the usual order for publicity was made. No express finding of dishonesty was recorded; disposal was under the conviction provisions.

Duties found breached:

• Honour professional undertakings

Aggravating factors:

• Very serious offence of embezzlement committed while in a position of trust as executor
• Large sum embezzled (£413,052.81)
• Two previous findings of professional misconduct
• Negative effect on the reputation of the profession

Mitigating factors:

• Cooperated with the Law Society regarding the Complaint
• Instructed solicitor to draft the Complaint to mitigate expenses
• Money subsequently repaid
• Had moved on with his life in the years since the offence
• Early acceptance of conviction