Premji Naran Patel

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

The Respondent, a recognised sole practitioner, was found to have systematically abused client monies in the RG Estate, using funds to pay his own PII, clear debit balances on unrelated matters, and benefit other clients while operating a teeming and lading system. He overcharged the MR Estate by 500%, deliberately misled a beneficiary (KG) via a false schedule of accounts, withdrew client money before sufficient funds were received in the Mr M matter, and delayed distribution of the estate for 17 months. All nine allegations were proved beyond reasonable doubt, and the Tribunal made express findings of dishonesty applying the Twinsectra test. With no exceptional circumstances and no mitigation, the Respondent was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £35,000.

Duties found breached:

• Fair, reasonable and lawful fees
• Integrity
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper communication with the court
• No improper use of client money
• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank
• Uphold public trust in the profession

Aggravating factors:

• Proven dishonesty that was deliberate, calculated and repeated
• Two previous appearances before the Tribunal, both concerning breaches of Solicitors Accounts Rules
• Abused trust placed in him by beneficiaries causing them financial harm
• Deliberately delayed distribution of the estate to use the funds
• No admissions, no insight, delayed replacing misused funds
• Experienced solicitor fully aware of his obligations