Alvin Gilbert Just & Devon Anthony Brown

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

Two solicitors from Just & Brown Solicitors faced SRA disciplinary proceedings. Mr Just was found to have failed to hold client money in a client account, failed to account to Client A for estate sale proceeds, and dishonestly misled the SRA's forensic investigation by denying he acted for Client A, presenting office account statements to 'prove' he had not acted, and concealing an undisclosed account (Account F) which he used for personal and professional transactions. The Tribunal made an express finding of dishonesty on the cooperation allegation (1.3). Allegations of misappropriation (1.2.2) and related dishonesty were not proved, and a further Accounts Rules allegation (Property C) was dismissed under the Rule 9 joint-money exemption. He also breached two undertakings and sent inappropriate communications. Numerous abuse-of-process applications (including Cestui Que Vie, double jeopardy, delay and discrimination arguments) were rejected. Given the dishonesty and absence of exceptional circumstances, Mr Just was struck off and ordered to pay £41,896.20 costs. Mr Brown, the COFA, was found to have failed in his compliance obligations (Principle 10) and was fined £2,000 with £400 costs.

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• Integrity
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Act in the client's best interests
• Segregate client money
• No improper use of client money
• Cooperate openly with regulators
• Report serious misconduct of others
• Honour professional undertakings

Aggravating factors:

• Proven dishonesty in material breach of obligation to protect public and profession
• Deliberate, calculated and repeated conduct over a period of time
• Concealment of Account F and attempt to put funds outside regulatory remit
• Abuse of position of trust as solicitor handling probate/sale
• Harm caused to Client A (a vulnerable, bereaved client) and to minor beneficiaries
• Harm caused to co-respondent Mr Brown
• Experienced solicitor
• Deliberately obstructed the SRA investigation ('fishing expedition')

Mitigating factors:

• Remedied breaches in allegations 4 and 5 (satisfied judgment debt; discharged mortgage 37 days late)
• Accepted responsibility for breach of undertaking in allegation 5
• For Mr Brown: believed Mr Just that no client account was needed; unaware of Account F; single continuing failing; expressed insight and cooperated