David Richard Roodyn

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

Two solicitor partners of Roodyn Manski faced multiple Solicitors Accounts Rules breaches, a client account cash shortage of £115,439.77, overcharging in the estates of F and D, undelivered bills, unauthorised cash withdrawals, and VAT convictions. The Tribunal found dishonesty proved against the Second Respondent (Roodyn) in relation to allegations 3, 4, 7 and 8 (failing to send bills and overcharging), and ordered him struck off with £25,000 costs. The First Respondent was found not dishonest, fined £20,000 with £10,000 costs, on total fixed costs of £35,000.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• No improper communication with the court
• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Report serious misconduct of others

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty in relation to client money (not sending out bills and overcharging)
• Cash shortage of £115,439.77 on client account
• Charging approximately 22-25% of estate values in costs
• Bills not delivered to executors/beneficiaries over many years
• Failure to obtain probate in F estate over seven years
• Criminal conviction for VAT offences

Mitigating factors:

• Second Respondent's severe health problems
• Second Respondent had not renewed practising certificate
• Apologised to the profession and clients
• Claimed to be out of his depth on probate/estate accounts
• Problems compounded by incompetent bookkeeper