Michael Edward French

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

Michael Edward French, a solicitor admitted in 1974 and already indefinitely suspended in February 2011, admitted operating and withdrawing client money (transferring over £600,000 to a probate practitioner's account) while suspended, failing to tell clients of his suspension, sending letters describing himself as a solicitor, and failing to respond to the Legal Ombudsman (resulting in a suspended prison sentence) and the SRA. The Tribunal found all allegations proved on admission. No dishonesty was found, but the conduct was serious and damaged the profession's reputation. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £16,592.23, not to be enforced without leave given his bankruptcy and inability to pay.

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• No improper use of client money
• Cooperate openly with regulators

Aggravating factors:

• Two previous appearances before the Tribunal, most recently resulting in indefinite suspension
• Continued to control and transfer client money (£581,825.69 and £18,995.53) after suspension
• Sentenced to four months imprisonment suspended for one year for contempt
• Posed a risk to the public
• Pattern of failing to cooperate with regulators

Mitigating factors:

• Almost 40 years' service in the profession without earlier problems
• Personal, financial and health difficulties
• Remorse and shame expressed
• Full admission of all allegations
• No dishonesty found
• Already penalised by the High Court