Michael Alistair Watts

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

Michael Alistair Watts, a sole practitioner admitted in 1977, was investigated in 2005. He raised numerous bills and transferred costs from client to office account without delivering bills, overcharged the estate of Ms EP by £119,605.59, raised round-sum bills in a personal injury matter (Mr B) totalling £65,250, and created debit balances totalling £21,005.41 across 42 client matters. He took fees twice (Mr W's estate) and, as executor and residuary beneficiary of Ms G's estate, paid himself a legacy ahead of pecuniary legatees when there were insufficient funds. He also made unallocated client-to-office transfers. The Tribunal found all allegations proved and, applying the Twinsectra test, found he had acted dishonestly, describing it as a bad case of dishonesty where he had 'raided client account whenever under financial pressure.' He was struck off and ordered to pay £11,500 costs. The Respondent did not attend and was bankrupt.

Duties found breached:

• No conflict between current clients
• No improper benefit, loan or bequest
• No improper use of client money
• Prompt accounting and return of money

Aggravating factors:

• Conduct took place over a number of years
• Very significant cash shortage
• Made personal gain by improper transfers at times of cashflow crises in office account
• Paid himself as residuary legatee ahead of pecuniary legatees
• 'Milked' costs from Ms EP's estate where residuary beneficiary was a charity
• Claims made on the Compensation Fund

Mitigating factors:

• Made some small repayments towards the cash shortfall