Sarah Elizabeth Reynolds

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

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• Integrity
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Act in the client's best interests
• Diligence and timeliness

Aggravating factors:

• She should have known the delay in submitting the LPA and the changes to the LPA and cheque were pre-emptive and material breaches of obligation
• Experienced solicitor of over 15 years' post-qualification experience; foreseeable risk of harm to an elderly client

Mitigating factors:

• Single episode of events against an unblemished career
• Immediate full and frank admissions to all relevant allegations, maintained throughout
• Medical evidence consistent with impulsive action and perfectionism
• Difficulties balancing heavy workload with caring responsibilities for two children with medical conditions
• Thirteen positive references; not disposed to dishonesty
• Limited financial means