Stephen Leslie Hiseman

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

Stephen Leslie Hiseman, an unadmitted person employed by CK Solicitors (intervened May 2011), faced allegations of failing to act with integrity, failing to act in clients' best interests, and diminishing trust in the profession, with dishonesty alleged. He did not attend; the Tribunal proceeded via substituted service. It found he received £75,000 from client Miss L (paid into his personal account under a promissory note) which was never repaid, and that he deceived vulnerable client Mr S about a debt settlement (told Mr S £15,000 was required when £10,000 settled it, retaining £5,000 personally). The Tribunal found all allegations proved and expressly found dishonesty on the Twinsectra combined test. As the Respondent was unadmitted, the only order available was a Section 43 Order restricting his employment in legal practice, plus costs of £12,972.25.

Duties found breached:

• Uphold public trust in the profession
• No conflict between current clients

Aggravating factors:

• Misappropriation of client money totalling £75,000 from Miss L
• Deceived vulnerable client Mr S as to settlement amount and retained £5,000
• Attempted to attach a cloak of legitimacy to his actions
• Failed to engage with proceedings or provide any explanation