Michael Edward French

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

Solicitor admitted six allegations relating to failure to deliver accountant's reports, breaches of the Solicitors Accounts Rules (including a client account cash shortage of £18,423.53, failure to keep books written up and carry out reconciliations, and failure to remedy breaches promptly), and failing to disclose his full regulatory history to his professional indemnity insurers (a lack of integrity finding, not dishonesty). The Tribunal expressly noted this was not a case of dishonesty. Given the seriousness of the breaches and prior disciplinary history, he was suspended indefinitely and ordered to pay costs of £10,021.29.

Duties found breached:

• Handle inadvertently received material
• Prompt accounting and return of money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Not misrepresent regulated status

Aggravating factors:

• Cash shortage of £18,423.53 on client account
• Previous disciplinary findings (matter 10160/2008) with £8,000 fine and prior warning that Tribunal would be less sympathetic
• Failure to adequately supervise bookkeeper as principal

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted all allegations
• Almost 40 years in practice with no prior accounts disarray
• Cash shortage rectified before end of March 2010
• Re-engaged original accountant to correct matters
• Ceased practice in October 2010 due to financial difficulties
• Reliance on bookkeeper who caused problems