Milton Firman

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

Milton Firman, a sole practitioner, allowed his client's personal injury claims to become statute barred, failed to tell her, and then paid her £16,750 of his own money through his client account pretending it was a settlement from the defendants. He admitted all allegations including dishonesty. The Tribunal found the allegations substantiated, held there were no exceptional circumstances, and ordered him struck off the Roll and to pay £2,300 costs.

Duties found breached:

• Disclose adverse law to the court
• Advise on alternatives, settlement and outcome
• No acting against a former client
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money

Aggravating factors:

• Deception of client maintained over a prolonged period (May 2001 to November 2003)
• Did not admit wrongdoing or attempt to put matters right until investigated by the Law Society
• Client caused significant distress and confusion
• Previous appearance before the Tribunal in 1986 (though noted as 20 years earlier and different allegations)

Mitigating factors:

• No personal financial advantage sought; paid client £16,750 out of his own funds
• Full and frank admissions and cooperation with the Applicant from the outset
• Genuine contrition and apology
• Attributed conduct to overwork and pressure as a sole practitioner
• Had wound down his own practice and moved to work solely as a consultant doing criminal work
• Provided a supportive reference