Michael Robert Smith

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

Michael Robert Smith, a sole practitioner solicitor admitted in 1999, faced eight allegations including failing to pay professional debts, failing to reply to correspondence, practising without a practising certificate, abandoning his practice, failing to produce accounting records, and mishandling Legal Services Commission funds (including diverting fees into a personal joint account contrary to Rule 21 and retaining an expert's fee in office account). The Tribunal found all allegations proved. There was no allegation of dishonesty. Given the Respondent's difficult personal and medical circumstances, and not wishing to bar him permanently, the Tribunal imposed an indefinite suspension and ordered costs to be assessed if not agreed, including the costs of the Law Society's Investigation Accountant.

Duties found breached:

• Professional independence
• Segregate client money
• No improper use of client money
• Prompt accounting and return of money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Hold a current practising certificate

Mitigating factors:

• Very difficult personal circumstances
• Medical problems (GP letter)
• Admitted most allegations and did not contest the matter
• No allegation of dishonesty