Leo McGarvey

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

Leo McGarvey, a solicitor employed at RGM Solicitors, fraudulently took cash payments from clients between 2011 and 2017 and failed to account for them to the firm. He was convicted of embezzlement of £7,016 at Falkirk Sheriff Court (10 months imprisonment). The Tribunal found professional misconduct established on incidents 1 (embezzling approx £5,500 from Janet Brand), 4 (£314 cash payment for a Power of Attorney not banked, delayed registration, failing to bank £240 balance) and 5 (£200 cash from client ZC not banked). It made an express finding of dishonesty applying Ivey. Incidents 2 and 3 were not established beyond reasonable doubt. The Respondent did not appear. The Tribunal ordered he be struck off the Roll and found him liable in expenses.

Duties found breached:

• Honesty
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper communication with the court
• No improper use of client money

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonest, criminal behaviour resulting in a criminal conviction for embezzlement (10 months imprisonment)
• No remorse or insight shown
• Ongoing course of conduct involving a number of clients
• Conduct a danger to the public and likely to seriously damage reputation of the profession

Mitigating factors:

• No previous findings on the Respondent's record card