Gareth Rowan Evans

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

The Respondent, a personal injury solicitor at Slater and Gordon, dishonestly misused client H's settlement funds by arranging payments of £17,000 to client G and £4,661.75 to client P to conceal failures on those clients' files. He also failed to tell client H her claim had settled for £45,000 on 8 March 2016, and over nearly two years gave her the false impression her claim remained ongoing, arranging further medical appointments and reporting fictitious offers. He also failed to comply with court directions and take instructions. He admitted all allegations including dishonesty. On an agreed outcome dealt with on the papers, the Tribunal struck him off the Roll and ordered costs of £2,300.

Duties found breached:

• Act in the client's best interests
• No improper use of client money
• No taking unfair advantage

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty continued over an extended period of time
• Detriment caused to client H including financial loss and significant stress, anger, anxiety and sleepless nights
• Respondent entirely culpable; misconduct extremely serious
• Concealment - making payments from client H's funds to settle other clients' claims to avoid those clients becoming aware

Mitigating factors:

• Previously unblemished record since admission in 1993
• High caseload with inadequate supervision and monitoring by the firm
• Good work ethic and previously well regarded by clients and colleagues
• Admissions made and cooperation with the agreed outcome
• Remorse and apology expressed