Sally Ann Leslie

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

Sally Ann Leslie, a salaried partner, raised unjustified bills supported by inflated/false time records, cleared client account balances via improper client-to-office transfers, and prepared misleading estate accounts. She admitted the allegations and accepted her conduct was dishonest within the Twinsectra test. Despite sympathy for her stress and ill health, and the absence of personal gain, the Tribunal found the misconduct very serious, made an express finding of dishonesty, and struck her off the Roll, ordering costs of £4,253.50.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• No improper solicitation or touting

Aggravating factors:

• Systemic breach of the Accounts Rules across multiple files
• Creation of false/inflated time records to support unjustified bills
• Improper client-to-office account transfers
• Client funds compromised - over £49,000 had to be returned to client account
• Placed firm's perceived interests ahead of clients' interests

Mitigating factors:

• No personal financial gain or benefit
• Psychiatric report evidencing chronic anxiety state and ill health at relevant time
• Perceived pressure and stress at the firm
• Full admissions and consistent cooperation from an early stage
• Genuine remorse and insight
• Firm was able to put matters right
• Had left the profession and no longer held a practising certificate