Premji Naran Patel

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

Premji Naran Patel, a recognised sole practitioner, was found to have systematically abused client monies, using RG Estate funds to pay his own PII, clear debit balances on unrelated matters, and cover other clients' costs, while overcharging the MR Estate by 500% and misleading a beneficiary (KG) via a false schedule of accounts. The Tribunal found all nine allegations proved beyond reasonable doubt and made express findings of dishonesty under the Twinsectra test across multiple aspects of his conduct. With two prior disciplinary appearances for accounts breaches, no exceptional circumstances, and no mitigation, the Tribunal struck him off the Roll and ordered him to pay costs of £35,000. The Respondent did not attend, and the hearing proceeded in his absence.

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• No taking unfair advantage
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank
• Fair, reasonable and lawful fees
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money

Aggravating factors:

• Proven dishonesty which was deliberate, calculated and repeated
• Two previous appearances before the Tribunal both concerning breaches of Solicitors Accounts Rules
• Systematic abuse of client monies over an extended period
• Harm caused to beneficiaries PG and KG and to public trust
• No admissions, no insight, delayed replacing misused funds
• Overcharged the MR Estate by 500%
• Operated a teeming and lading system