Richard Michael John Smith

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

Sole practitioner solicitor failed to comply with three Adjudicators' decisions, failed to cooperate with the LCS/SRA, failed to deliver Accountants' Reports and a Cease to Hold Report, kept improper accounts, withdrew client money improperly resulting in a client account shortage of at least £12,926.63, and practised without indemnity insurance. The Tribunal found he dishonestly used Mrs C's client funds (£9,999.32) to pay his own SDT costs, used other clients' money to make up her estate payment, and gave misleading information to the FIO (a false claim of a loan). Dishonesty was expressly found applying the standards of reasonable and honest people and his knowledge. He was struck off and ordered to pay costs of £13,109.75 (not enforceable without Tribunal consent).

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead the court
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Professional indemnity insurance