Helen Louise Dain

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

Helen Louise Dain, a salaried partner and head of residential conveyancing, made unauthorised payments to an internet referral company by altering 45 firm cheques (crossing out original payees and writing in the referral company), totalling £52,808.01 paid to the company, causing a client account shortfall of £37,590.02. She concealed payments by using one client's funds to make good another's and made a personal payment to a client. She admitted dishonesty and accepted culpability. The Tribunal found all allegations substantiated, struck her off the Roll, and ordered costs of £9,136.

Duties found breached:

• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Act in the client's best interests
• No improper use of client money
• No improper solicitation or touting

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted the allegations and admitted dishonesty
• Accepted liability for costs and agreed quantum
• Action caused by stressful factors in professional and personal life
• Expressed deep regret and no intention to return to practice