Richard Stephen Davies

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

Richard Stephen Davies, a sole practitioner solicitor, faced multiple allegations relating to his probate and conveyancing practice. The Tribunal found proved that he undervalued the estate of Client A by up to £49,196.20, took costs of around £37,020 when only £16,800 was disclosed to beneficiaries, took £6,540 costs two years after final accounts without a bill, and made an improper £5,000 payment to a co-executor which he failed to recover - all dishonestly. He also dishonestly made a false declaration to his insurer on 29 June 2017 by failing to disclose two LeO complaints. Further proved allegations included failures to register titles, pay stamp duty and land registry fees for numerous conveyancing clients, accounting errors, retaining over £14,000 in Client E's matter for years, and various Accounts Rules breaches. Two sub-allegations (part of 1.2 re the 2016 insurance form, and 1.6.1 re reconciliations) were found not proved. Given dishonesty in two matters and no exceptional circumstances, the Respondent was struck off and ordered to pay costs of £35,200. The Respondent did not attend.

Duties found breached:

• Avoid wasting the court's time
• Honesty
• Integrity
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Act in the client's best interests
• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Prompt accounting and return of money
• Not misrepresent regulated status

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty proved in two different types of misconduct
• Elements deliberate, calculated and repeated over a period of time
• Misconduct against clients who trusted him
• Breach of position of trust as executor
• Very experienced solicitor of 40 years
• Prior appearance before the Tribunal in 1988 (including delays with registration of title)
• Lack of insight; did not remedy issues until SRA drew them to his attention

Mitigating factors:

• Referenced age and health condition (GP letter) affecting concentration
• Contacted the SRA seeking advice on closure of practice due to illness