William Pirie Rennie

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

William Pirie Rennie, a sole practitioner trading as Rennie & Co, was found guilty of professional misconduct after a Judicial Factor identified a shortage of £139,484.59 on his client account, arising from continuous transfers of client funds to his firm account to keep it within overdraft limits. He also failed to respond to Law Society enquiries and statutory notices concerning client complaints and failed to comply with a Section 42A determination to pay £500 compensation. The Tribunal found deliberate acts of dishonesty over a prolonged period and, despite mitigation (remorse, cooperation, medical report), ordered his name struck off the Roll of Solicitors. Respondent found liable for expenses of the Complainers and Tribunal (amount to be taxed; unit rate £11.85).

Duties found breached:

• Keep client informed and respond promptly
• Advise on alternatives, settlement and outcome
• No improper use of client money

Aggravating factors:

• Actions continued over a considerable period of time
• Misappropriation of client money for personal gain to maintain business
• Breach of position of trust
• Number of deliberate acts of dishonesty over a prolonged period
• Failure to respond to numerous Law Society communications and statutory notices
• Inadequate professional service provided to clients

Mitigating factors:

• Respondent remorseful and cooperated in tendering pleas to both Complaints
• Medical report submitted from Respondent's doctor
• Respondent provided explanation for conduct, being in a desperate state at the time