9856-2007 - T A Izzet & Another

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

Both Respondents, partners at Swift Property Solicitors, admitted all seven allegations arising from a Law Society inspection that found accounts rules breaches, failures to notify lenders of purchase incentives/discounts in conveyancing matters, failure to discharge an existing mortgage for client RO, and failure to comply with an undertaking concerning the First Respondent's own property sale. No dishonesty was alleged or found, but the Tribunal found the conduct fell below required standards of integrity, probity and trustworthiness and brought the profession into disrepute. The First Respondent, who gave the undertaking on his own property and failed to engage with the regulator, was struck off. The Second Respondent, who had engaged with the process and was less culpable, was suspended for three years (commencing 1 March 2009) to allow disposal of the practice. Both were jointly and severally liable for costs of £11,400.30. The Tribunal noted prior reprimands and a previous Tribunal fine (6 July 2006) for similar breaches.

Duties found breached:

• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Act in the client's best interests
• No conflict between current clients
• Report serious misconduct of others