Rajesh Babajee

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

The Respondent, a sole practitioner, misappropriated client monies from the sale proceeds of a property (122 C Street). He received £155,000, sent £110,000 to his client, and improperly used the remaining approximately £45,000 for his own benefit and third-party payments, including after he knew an executed Transfer Deed had not been delivered to the purchaser's solicitors. The Tribunal found dishonesty proved to the highest standard under the Twinsectra test. Multiple Accounts Rules breaches were proven, including failing to maintain a client account, mixing client and office money, and failing to safeguard practice records (which were destroyed by his former office landlord). He also purported to act as a solicitor after leaving his firm when not entitled to do so. The hearing proceeded in his absence following substituted service by advertisement. Three allegations (failure to produce documents, failure to supervise an unadmitted employee, and failure to comply with a County Court judgment) were found not proved. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £34,767.84.

Duties found breached:

• Handle inadvertently received material
• No improper use of client money
• Prompt accounting and return of money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Honour professional undertakings
• Not misrepresent regulated status
• Comply with rules of foreign jurisdictions

Aggravating factors:

• Misappropriation of client funds for personal use
• Dishonesty proved to the highest standard
• Catalogue of breaches described as 'a masterclass in failure to comply with the basic requirements of practice as a solicitor'
• Failure to engage with the regulator and avoidance of proceedings
• Obstructed former partners' attempts to file accountants' report

Mitigating factors:

• No previous disciplinary matters recorded