David Hayhurst

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

The Respondent, senior partner at 174 Solicitors Ltd, failed between November 2014 and November 2016 to adequately advise clients (buyers) investing in four "fractional" property development schemes about the high risks inherent in those schemes. The matter was resolved on the papers by an Agreed Outcome. The Tribunal found his admissions properly made and assessed the conduct as "more serious" (Level 3 fine band). No dishonesty was found.

Duties found breached:

• Act in the client's best interests
• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank

Aggravating factors:

• Harm was foreseeable given the Respondent's level of experience

Mitigating factors:

• Lengthy previously unblemished disciplinary record
• Made admissions to the matters raised
• Harm was not intended; at the time he believed he had complied with his obligations