Theresa Violet Kane

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

Theresa Violet Kane, a non-solicitor conveyancing manager at Mason & Co., was found to have made false and misleading entries in the firm's books, misused client funds (minimum shortage £67,304.82), and failed to disclose material information to clients/mortgagees. She drew two sets of conveyancing documents showing different prices for vendor and purchaser and made unauthorised alterations, retaining/passing on a 'profit'. The Tribunal expressly found she had acted dishonestly and made a section 43 order restricting her employment by solicitors, plus costs of £2,109.11. The respondent did not appear but had admitted the conduct.

Duties found breached:

• Honesty
• Disclose material information to client
• No improper use of client money

Aggravating factors:

• Drew separate documents for purchaser and vendor disclosing different terms
• Made unauthorised alterations to documents
• Significant client account shortage of at least £67,304.82
• Non-disclosure to building society/mortgagee clients

Mitigating factors:

• Acted under pressure from estate agents
• Suffering stress and chronic depression which clouded her judgment
• Admitted and accepted the order should be made
• Acted to keep introductions and work flowing to the firm
• Personal/financial hardship; did not feel she had benefitted personally