Richard Charles Cooper

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

Richard Charles Cooper, senior partner at Beswick Moon, was found guilty of conduct unbefitting a solicitor arising from property transactions for a development company (AB Limited). He failed to advise lender clients to take independent advice, failed to register or secure charges, gave a non-complied undertaking, misapplied client funds, failed to pay deposit cheques into client account, failed to supervise an unqualified secretary, and acted for both vendor and purchaser in breach of Practice Rule 6. The Tribunal did not find a shortage on client account (allegation i) but proved allegations (ii)-(x). No dishonesty was alleged or found; the conduct was characterised as foolishness and abrogation of duties. He was suspended indefinitely and ordered to pay costs subject to detailed assessment.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• No improper communication with the court
• No taking unfair advantage
• No improper use of client money
• Prompt accounting and return of money
• Supervise staff and delegated work
• Honour professional undertakings
• Not misrepresent regulated status

Aggravating factors:

• Total disregard of duties to clients
• No supervision whatsoever of a totally unqualified member of staff
• No protection for loans made by lender clients resulting in massive claims on the Solicitors Indemnity Fund

Mitigating factors:

• No dishonesty found and no personal gain
• Serious ill health of the Respondent
• Respondent had retired from practice
• Respondent accepted responsibility and expressed shame
• Testimonials submitted in support
• Comfort letter given out of sympathy for a client about to undergo surgery