Fiona Hunter Blair Parsons

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

The Respondent, a conveyancing solicitor, misappropriated client money by directing clients to pay into her personal bank account over approximately six years (2016-2023), causing a net loss to her firm of approximately £161,215. She was convicted of fraud by abuse of position and sentenced to 30 months' imprisonment. She admitted dishonesty. The Tribunal found no exceptional circumstances and, on an agreed outcome basis, ordered she be struck off the Roll with no order as to costs due to her financial circumstances.

Duties found breached:

• No taking unfair advantage
• Act only on proper, lawful instructions
• Not misrepresent regulated status

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonest and fraudulent conduct
• Repeated over approximately six years
• Abuse of position of trust
• Personal financial advantage obtained
• Significant harm/net loss to Firm of approximately £161,215
• Criminal conviction with 30 months' imprisonment

Mitigating factors:

• Guilty plea to criminal charges
• Expressed regret and full acceptance of responsibility
• No previous disciplinary findings
• Mental health issues said to have contributed
• Cooperation with police, CPS and confiscation proceedings