Sam Themis

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

The Respondent, sole equity partner, COLP, COFA and MLRO at ST Solicitors LLP, faced allegations arising from a forensic investigation and intervention. The Tribunal proceeded in his absence. It found proved that he failed to protect Client C's money (reckless), caused a dishonest unallocated £5,000 client-to-office transfer creating a cash shortage, failed to close the firm in an orderly manner, failed to maintain books of account, and failed to cooperate with the SRA. Allegation 1.2(b) (the £34,500 transfer) was not proved as it likely related to legitimate SDLT payments. Dishonesty was expressly found in relation to the £5,000 transfer. Given proven dishonesty and no exceptional circumstances, the Tribunal struck him off the Roll and ordered costs of £23,378.99.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• No baseless or threatened misconduct report

Aggravating factors:

• Proven dishonesty
• Deliberate, calculated and repeated misconduct
• Conduct carried out over a protracted period
• Blamed others (former salaried partners) for his own misconduct
• Excluded accountants and salaried partners from financial processes
• No insight into misconduct
• Experienced solicitor who knew consequences
• Loss caused to Compensation Fund
• Harm to clients including one awaiting damages and one awaiting property completion

Mitigating factors:

• No previous appearances before the Tribunal / previous good character