Michael Shrosbree

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

Michael Shrosbree, a conveyancing executive (non-solicitor clerk) at Khilkoff-Boulding & Co, faced a Law Society application under Section 43 of the Solicitors Act 1974. He had requested excessive stamp duty from clients Mr and Mrs L, then treated their overpaid stamp duty refund of £470 as the firm's costs via a dummy bill, and improperly withheld their file pending a £528.75 photocopying fee. The clients did not receive their file for 3.5 years or their refund for 4 years. No allegation of dishonesty was pursued and none was found. The Respondent admitted the facts. The Tribunal made a Section 43 order and ordered him to pay costs of £4,750.

Duties found breached:

• No taking unfair advantage
• No improper use of client money
• Prompt accounting and return of money

Aggravating factors:

• Respondent was an experienced conveyancer
• Kept clients entirely in the dark about the refund due to them
• Lengthy delay (3.5 years for file, 4 years for refund)

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted the facts and did not contest the allegation
• Accepted that a Section 43 order was appropriate
• Employer had reneged on an agreement to fund his representation