R O Osili and Another

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

Solicitor Raphael Osili was found to have committed Solicitors Accounts Rules breaches (admitted), used client mortgage advance funds from TMB for his own benefit, acted in a clear conflict of interest, misrepresented his income on a mortgage application, and entered a champertous fee agreement. The Tribunal applied Twinsectra and expressly found him dishonest, striking him off and ordering £10,000 costs. The Second Respondent, held out as a partner but with low culpability, admitted the SAR breaches on a liability basis, was reprimanded and ordered to pay £2,000 costs (total costs £12,000).

Duties found breached:

• Fair, reasonable and lawful fees
• No own-interest conflict
• Segregate client money
• No improper use of client money
• Report serious misconduct of others

Aggravating factors:

• Use of client (mortgage advance) funds for personal benefit
• Serious and obvious conflict of interest - served notice to complete on his own clients
• Inflated income figure in mortgage application (£138,300 stated vs actual net profit £22,752)
• Cash shortages remained for extended periods (up to three years)
• Conscious impropriety / dishonesty found

Mitigating factors:

• Isolated period of misconduct with no prior disciplinary history
• Told the truth before the Tribunal and accepted responsibility
• Strong testimonials as to competence and integrity
• Ultimately no loss suffered by lenders
• Pressure and naivety, influenced by church relationship with clients