Michael Edward French

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

Michael Edward French, admitted 1974 and already indefinitely suspended in February 2011, admitted all allegations: operating and withdrawing client money (including transfers of £581,825.69 and £18,995.53) while suspended in breach of Rule 23 SAR 1998; failing to act with integrity by not telling clients he had been suspended, sending four letters describing himself as a solicitor, and failing to respond to the Legal Ombudsman and SRA. His continued failure to cooperate led to a four-month suspended prison sentence imposed by the High Court for contempt. Despite mitigation (long career, financial and personal difficulties, bankruptcy, remorse, no dishonesty), the Tribunal found his conduct serious and that he was a risk to the public, and struck him off. Costs of £16,592.23 ordered, not to be enforced without leave given his bankruptcy.

Duties found breached:

• Cooperate openly with regulators
• No improper use of client money
• Uphold public trust in the profession

Aggravating factors:

• Two previous appearances before the Tribunal (April 2010 and February 2011), the latter resulting in indefinite suspension
• Continued to control and withdraw client money despite being suspended
• Persistent failure to respond to and cooperate with regulators and the Legal Ombudsman
• Conduct led to a suspended prison sentence for contempt
• Caused serious damage to the reputation of the profession

Mitigating factors:

• Nearly 40 years of practice with prior good service to the profession
• Personal and financial difficulties, stress and inability to cope
• Made bankrupt in March 2012
• Genuine remorse and shame
• No dishonesty found
• Already penalised by the High Court