Prakash S Mehta

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

Two partners of Mehtalaw faced multiple allegations. The First Respondent was found to have acted dishonestly and recklessly in relation to client monies, including breaching a High Court Restraint Order (£40,372.39), improper withdrawals, fictitious/inflated bills and overcharging; he was struck off the Roll. The Second Respondent was found to have breached the Accounts Rules, failed to inform lender clients of material facts and acted in conflict, but was not found dishonest or reckless; he was suspended for one year. Both were ordered to pay costs of £36,976.90 jointly and severally, not enforceable without leave of the Tribunal. Allegation 4 (misleading the SRA) was not proved.

Duties found breached:

• Comply with and respect court orders
• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank
• No conflict between current clients
• Manage conflict arising mid-matter
• No improper use of client money
• Report serious misconduct of others

Aggravating factors:

• Misuse of client monies to assist firm's cash flow
• Falsification of documentation and fictitious/inflated bills
• Breach of a High Court Restraint Order
• Substantial overcharging
• Transfers of client money to First Respondent's personal accounts

Mitigating factors:

• Some client monies replaced before the forensic investigation visit
• Loans mostly taken with clients' eventual consent and intended to be repaid
• Respondents in parlous financial circumstances
• Second Respondent not found dishonest or reckless