Andrew John March

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

Andrew John March, a director and COFA of Ward Legal (UK) Limited, caused or allowed transfers totalling around £112,442 from Client Account to Office Account for fees that were not properly due, without proper verification or notification to clients, despite concerns raised by the firm's cashier. He also failed to remedy breaches, failed to report the firm's financial difficulties to the SRA, placed personal funds into client account improperly, and failed in his COFA duties. He admitted all allegations except dishonesty. The SRA withdrew the dishonesty allegation (in light of his ill-health and inability to engage), so dishonesty was not found; lack of integrity and other breaches were proved. The Tribunal approved the parties' Agreed Outcome, striking him off the Roll and ordering costs of £26,936.76.

Duties found breached:

• No taking unfair advantage
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Report serious misconduct of others

Aggravating factors:

• Conduct took place over a long period of time and was repeated
• Ought reasonably to have known conduct was in material breach of obligations to protect the public and reputation of the profession
• Continued transfers despite concerns raised by the firm's cashier
• Caused or allowed creation of pro forma records purporting to record 'evidence' to support billing when none existed
• Failed to take steps to return funds to client account or reverse improper payments

Mitigating factors:

• Made admissions during forensic investigation and during proceedings
• Previously unblemished disciplinary record
• Held unconditional practising certificate
• Claimed ill health during the relevant period, supported by medical evidence
• Had not practised since the SRA's intervention