E D Hunter

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

The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal found Eric Donald Hunter, a probate solicitor partner, had prepared bills of costs on probate matters that were excessive, with overcharging substantiated by an independent costs draftsman (Mr Shelley) across files including MAH Deceased, M and MH, EW, GH Deceased and MB Deceased. He admitted three accounts-rule allegations (improper transfers from client to office account, failing to send bills to entitled parties, and round sum bills). On the contested excessive billing allegation, the Tribunal applied the Twinsectra test and found his conduct dishonest by ordinary standards and that he himself realised it was dishonest, noting he could not justify or explain bills (especially MAH Deceased) and produced only retrospective 'green backfill' sheets. Following Sharma, the Tribunal found no exceptional circumstances and struck him off the Roll, ordering agreed costs of £35,000. His subsequent High Court appeal was withdrawn before hearing.

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• No improper use of client money
• Prompt accounting and return of money
• Proper basis for allegations

Aggravating factors:

• Overcharging took place over a substantial period of time across multiple files
• Many bills rendered where the Respondent was the Sole Executor
• Client approval of bills sought only retrospectively, sometimes years later
• Significant overcharges (e.g. exceeding £10,000 on certain files)
• Inconsistent and unreliable evidence about how bills were calculated

Mitigating factors:

• Repaid clients the difference between billed and assessed costs, with interest, from his own capital
• Early admissions in relation to the MAH Deceased file
• Numerous glowing character references from clients, professionals and colleagues
• No previous disciplinary matters
• Approaching retirement age (near 65)
• No client complaints and presented no danger argued