Richard Michael Cohen

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

Richard Michael Cohen, a partner and compliance officer at Rudds Solicitors, admitted making numerous untrue and misleading statements to four clients about the progress of their legal matters (injunction proceedings, lease extension, grant of probate) over a period of years, and mishandling a property sale in an estate administration. He admitted dishonesty in respect of allegations 1.1 and 1.2 and recklessness in respect of 1.3; the Tribunal did not consider dishonesty on 1.3. On an agreed outcome dealt with on the papers, the Tribunal found the only appropriate sanction was striking off and ordered him to pay costs of £17,995. No exceptional circumstances were found.

Duties found breached:

• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues
• Integrity
• No conflict between current clients
• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank
• Not mislead third parties or opponents

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty occurred over three separate client matters
• Prolonged dishonest conduct (continued over 31 months in the Client B/C matter)
• Respondent was the Firm's COLP, COFA, MLRO and MLCO, occupying positions of significant trust
• Conduct adversely affected the Firm, resulting in civil actions and ultimately the Firm's closure due to unviable indemnity insurance

Mitigating factors:

• Difficult working environment following office merger and senior partner's retirement
• Took on litigation and probate matters outside his conveyancing specialism due to staffing issues
• Young family and uncertain financial position
• Intention to complete work and conduct was an attempt to buy time
• No personal gain and no client was charged for the suggested work
• Full cooperation with Firm and SRA investigations
• Previously unblemished career
• Apologised for distress caused