Ziad Al-Rawi

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

The Respondent, a solicitor at Ashton Page Solicitors, made eight improper withdrawals totalling £96,000 from client account to office account over January-June 2012, using the funds for personal and other improper purposes including repaying a loan shark for a colleague and an internet marketing course. This created a client account shortage of over £104,000 which was not remedied until shortly before intervention in January 2013. He also failed to conduct required reconciliations. Allegations 1.1-1.3 were admitted and proved; allegation 1.4 (operating as a sole practitioner) was not proved. The Tribunal found dishonesty proved to the required standard, rejecting the argument that his conduct was irrational and involuntary. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay £11,000 costs, not to be enforced without the Tribunal's permission given his impending bankruptcy.

Duties found breached:

• Avoid wasting the court's time
• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank
• No conflict between current clients
• Handle inadvertently received material
• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports

Aggravating factors:

• Improper transfers made over a five to eight month period
• Client account shortage of over £104,000 which persisted for a considerable time (May 2012 to January 2013)
• Client money used for personal purposes including repaying a loan shark for a colleague and an internet marketing course
• Initially put off the inspection and did not immediately admit the improper withdrawals
• Deliberately kept books not in normal condition so no one would know of breaches

Mitigating factors:

• No previous disciplinary findings
• All funds repaid before intervention; no clients ultimately suffered loss
• Sincere apology and admission of most allegations
• Under significant personal stress (son's illness, financial difficulties, integration of another practice)
• Positive testimonials including from current employer
• Medical report indicating adjustment disorder and out-of-character conduct