P A Holt

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

A partner at Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP submitted, over a period from late 2008 to January 2012, around 271 false expenses claims (out of 571) and 22 improper travel requests, with some expenses charged to clients. The total of false claims admitted was about £8,054. The Tribunal found all allegations proved, including dishonesty under the Twinsectra test, which the Respondent admitted. Despite mitigation (full admissions, self-reporting, possible depression), the Tribunal found no exceptional circumstances and struck him off the Roll, ordering agreed costs of £5,000.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• No conflict between current clients
• Prompt accounting and return of money
• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues
• No improper solicitation or touting

Aggravating factors:

• Conduct was dishonest
• Well thought out, deliberate and calculated, involving presentation of receipts and drafting emails
• Repeated over a period of about three years
• Breach of a position of trust
• Concealed wrongdoing until discovered
• Only made full admissions when confronted with mass of evidence
• Harmed both his firm and some of its clients
• Derived personal benefit

Mitigating factors:

• Made full and frank admissions once discovered and cooperated fully
• Self-reported to the SRA
• Displayed insight into his conduct
• Difficult personal circumstances and potentially suffering from depression (psychiatric report)
• Repaid the money soon after discovery
• Positive character testimonials