Terence James Synnott

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

Terence James Synnott, a sole practitioner whose firm was intervened in January 2010, faced allegations of breaches of the Solicitors Accounts Rules and Solicitors Code of Conduct, and an allegation of dishonesty, arising from three client matters (Mrs W, Mr and Mrs Carter, and Mrs E). The Tribunal found numerous accounts breaches proven, including improper withdrawals from client account without providing bills, and found the Respondent acted with a lack of integrity (not dishonesty) in the Carter and Mrs E matters. The allegation of dishonesty was NOT found proven - the Tribunal was not satisfied as to the subjective element in either the Mrs W or Carter matters. It rejected the argument that dishonesty automatically failed for not being expressly put in cross-examination and refused an application to recall the Respondent. The Respondent was struck off the Roll, ordered to pay costs of £40,000 (not enforceable without leave given limited means), and the Applicant was ordered to pay the Respondent £5,000 for the failed recall application.

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• Act in the client's best interests
• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Safeguard documents and limit liens
• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues

Aggravating factors:

• Evidence found inconsistent, contradictory and implausible; credibility doubted
• Consistent theme of failing to cooperate with the regulator
• Two previous disciplinary appearances (2009 fined £5,000; 2010 suspended)
• Conduct damaged reputation of profession and placed public at risk
• Put lender client's interest at risk by handing over unregistered Charge to a third party

Mitigating factors:

• Reported Mr D to police and made SOCA reports, leading to Mr D's arrest and conviction
• Difficult personal and financial circumstances/stress at the time of closing his practice
• Character references provided

⚠ figures not found verbatim in the source were dropped: ["review_dishonesty_finding_cue_present"]