Richard Gregory Barca

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

Richard Gregory Barca, an experienced solicitor, admitted three allegations. He acted in an own interest conflict by loaning his vulnerable client Mrs JWB £27,000 at 60% annual interest through his company Safechase, secured by a charge over her home, without ensuring she took independent legal advice; he ultimately repossessed and sold her property, benefiting by over £49,000 in interest. He made a misleading claim in a witness statement that he did not act for Mrs JWB when he had. He also acted for Mr K in litigation on a third party's instructions without confirming with Mr K directly. The dishonesty allegation was withdrawn; the Tribunal found a lack of integrity but no dishonesty. He was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay £26,000 costs.

Duties found breached:

• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank
• No conflict between current clients
• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues

Aggravating factors:

• Conduct in relation to Mrs JWB took place over almost 2 years while continuing to benefit from 60% interest rate
• Mrs JWB was a vulnerable client at risk of losing her home and livelihood
• Respondent benefited by over £49,000 in interest without ensuring she had independent legal advice
• Failed to deal promptly with correspondence from R Solicitors, causing unnecessary costs
• Ought reasonably to have known conduct was in material breach of obligations
• Previous appearance before the Tribunal on 28 May 2015 with a Reprimand and breach of Principle 6

Mitigating factors:

• Respondent was wholly contrite
• Good character references, some from senior members of the legal profession
• Cooperated with regulator and proceedings
• Made admissions
• Motivation in part to help Mrs JWB keep her home and livelihood
• No risk of repetition