Jonathan Anthony Levene

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

Former sole practitioner Jonathan Anthony Levene faced 11 allegations of conduct unbefitting a solicitor arising from his handling of litigation for four members of the R family, including dishonest misappropriation of settlement monies, issuing false bills, overcharging, and failing to account to the Legal Aid Board. He did not appear and disputed the Tribunal's jurisdiction. The Tribunal found all allegations substantiated, found serious dishonesty, and held that but for his name already being removed from the Roll it would have struck him off. It prohibited restoration of his name to the Roll except by order of the Tribunal and ordered costs of £5,054.65, but did not require him to pay additional costs of the rehearing.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• No taking unfair advantage
• Disclose material information to client
• Advise on alternatives, settlement and outcome
• No improper use of client money
• Prompt accounting and return of money
• No baseless or threatened misconduct report

Aggravating factors:

• Serious dishonesty bringing the profession into disrepute
• No remorse shown
• Continued to deny all responsibility and accused former client, Applicant and a former Tribunal Chairman of lying
• Previous disciplinary finding in 1986 (improper advertising via Countdown plc, fined £500)