Jean Francis-Passley

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

Sole director of A1 Solicitors Ltd was struck off following findings of gross dereliction of duty. Allegations 1-6 were substantiated: she failed to fulfil conveyancing undertakings relied on by third parties, failed to respond to correspondence from other solicitors and the SRA, committed serious Solicitors Accounts Rules breaches (no books since 7 March 2008, £8,972.08 client account shortage, improper round sum transfers, client account used as banking facility), accepted and failed to repay a £36,000 loan from a client who had declined independent legal advice, and failed to file an Accountant's Report. Allegation 7 (permitting struck-off/suspended solicitors to conduct litigation under her firm's name) was NOT proved. The Tribunal made no express finding of dishonesty. Heard in her absence; adjournment application refused. Struck off and ordered to pay £18,000 costs.

Duties found breached:

• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• No baseless or threatened misconduct report
• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues