Lynn Diane Cornthwaite

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

Sole practitioner solicitor found to have committed 19 substantiated allegations including preparing Wills gifting herself and staff without advising independent advice, culpable and gross overcharging of estates (up to 12 times reasonable amounts), acting for both buyer and seller, practising without a practising certificate, giving false explanations, hiding and shredding files, and failing to cooperate with the SRA. The Tribunal made an express finding of dishonesty under the Twinsectra test, based on the false claim that a file had been sent to the DWP, unjustified high billing without evidence of work, and shredding files soon after billing. She was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £24,224.91, with the Adjudicator's decision regarding Mrs K.R. made enforceable as a High Court order.

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• Integrity
• No taking unfair advantage
• Complaints procedure and handling
• Advise on alternatives, settlement and outcome
• No conflict between current clients
• Handle inadvertently received material
• No improper benefit, loan or bequest
• No improper use of client money
• Prompt accounting and return of money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Hold a current practising certificate

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty found under Twinsectra test
• Serious overcharging by three to twelve times the proper amount (exceeding reasonable amounts by tens of thousands of pounds)
• Taking advantage of elderly and vulnerable clients
• Concealing/hiding files from the Investigation Officer (false claim file was with DWP)
• Shredding files shortly after high bills rendered
• Failing to properly supervise her practice and frequent absences from office
• Failure to engage with the regulator and non-attendance at hearing