Anthony Louis Shiau

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

Sole practitioner Anthony L. Shiau admitted professional misconduct involving improper handling of trust funds (depositing retainer funds to general account, withdrawing funds without delivering bills, and charging disbursements not incurred) between May 2021 and March 2022, and failing to verify client identification for US-based clients. He explained the errors arose from software glitches and a mistaken belief about trust funds, obtained no personal benefit, and returned all funds. Under a Rule 3-7.1 consent agreement, he consented to a four-week suspension. No dishonesty was found.

Duties found breached:

• No improper use of client money
• Not misrepresent regulated status

Mitigating factors:

• No prior professional conduct record
• Remorseful and admitted all misconduct
• Resolved matter early through consent agreement process
• Did not obtain personal benefit; funds returned
• Adopted Law Society checklists and completed trust accounting and anti-money laundering training