Andrew John Tilsiter

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

Andrew John Tilsiter, a solicitor admitted in 1995, was found to have dishonestly misappropriated client funds totalling approximately £142,506 on three occasions, including deducting 'success fees' he was not entitled to from clients Mr E and Mr R and paying money into his own mortgage account, plus diverting matrimonial sale proceeds that should have been paid into court. He forged letters to clients. The Tribunal applied the Twinsectra test and found dishonesty. Although striking off would normally be appropriate, the Tribunal treated this as a wholly exceptional case due to his medical condition, full repayment, admissions and cooperation, and ordered an indefinite suspension plus costs of £18,171.92.

Duties found breached:

• No taking unfair advantage
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money

Aggravating factors:

• Deliberate acts including forging/creating false letters to clients
• Misappropriation on three separate occasions involving a total of approximately £142,506
• Vulnerable client (unrepresented husband in matrimonial matter)

Mitigating factors:

• Mental health issues, stress and psychiatric condition supported by medical evidence
• All monies repaid with lost interest at the first opportunity
• Admitted the allegations (save dishonesty) and cooperated from the outset
• Resigned immediately when confronted
• No longer practising as a solicitor
• Numerous favourable testimonials including from a Deputy District Judge and current employer
• Matters had taken place some time ago