Arachchige Ranjith Panamulle

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

Sole practitioner/partner solicitor admitted eight allegations of conduct unbefitting, including failing to maintain client ledger accounts, overcharging the Legal Aid Board, inadequate supervision, poor client care and various Solicitors Accounts Rules breaches. The Law Society alleged dishonesty in relation to overcharging public funds, but the Tribunal, applying the Twinsectra combined test, was not satisfied to the criminal standard that the Respondent acted dishonestly, finding his conduct arose from disorganisation rather than dishonesty. All allegations were substantiated. The Tribunal ordered indefinite suspension from practice and that the Respondent pay the entire costs of the application, subject to detailed assessment if not agreed, including the Investigation Accountant's costs.

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• Keep client informed and respond promptly
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Supervise staff and delegated work

Aggravating factors:

• Overcharging drew money from the public purse
• Multiple accounting and supervision failings

Mitigating factors:

• No client had complained to the Law Society or Legal Services Commission
• No claims on the Compensation Fund or indemnity insurer
• Respondent admitted the facts and allegations
• Respondent's difficult personal background as a refugee from Sri Lanka and considerable achievements in qualifying
• Respondent repaid a £573 overpayment when discovered
• Failings attributed to disorganisation rather than dishonesty

⚠ figures not found verbatim in the source were dropped: ["review_dishonesty_finding_cue_present"]