Terence Jeffrey Sopel

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

Terence Jeffrey Sopel, a sole practitioner conveyancing solicitor, was found to have committed multiple breaches of the Solicitors Accounts Rules, including causing a client account shortage of £35,020.70, making overpayments/over-transfers of £12,590.38, failing to record office account transactions on client ledgers, and acting in a conflicted family transaction. Most seriously, he made 218 transfers of £22,430.32 from client to office account using false bills for fictitious work that were never sent to clients. The Tribunal found this conduct dishonest under the Twinsectra test. Despite mitigation including delay in proceedings, personal pressures and strong character references, the Tribunal held the case did not fall within the exceptional residual category and struck him off the Roll, ordering costs of £17,500.

Duties found breached:

• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Account for interest on client money

Aggravating factors:

• Conduct occurred over a considerable period (some 18 months for the dishonest transfers)
• Creation of false bills for fictitious work never sent to clients to cover his tracks
• Continued the pattern of conduct even after a client (Mr KA) made contact requesting return of money
• Very experienced conveyancing solicitor who well knew the Accounts Rules
• Substantial sum involved (£22,000)
• Deliberate and clandestine actions, not mere carelessness

Mitigating factors:

• Unacceptable delay in proceedings amounting to a breach of Article 6 ECHR
• Money went to office account, not personal pocket, and not for personal gain in the usual sense
• Personal pressures including bereavement at the time
• Unblemished record of 34 years and impressive testimonials/character references
• Prompt acceptance of robust advice and admission of facts
• Repayment/return of monies to clients