Helen Louise Dain

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

Helen Louise Dain, a salaried partner and head of residential conveyancing, dishonestly misappropriated client funds by altering 45 firm cheques (crossing out payees and inserting the name of an internet referral company) to make unauthorised payments totalling £52,808.01, creating a client account shortfall of £37,590.02. She concealed this by using one client's funds to cover another's. She admitted the allegations and dishonesty. The Tribunal found the allegations substantiated, struck her off the Roll and ordered her to pay agreed costs of £9,136.00.

Duties found breached:

• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Act in the client's best interests
• No improper use of client money

Aggravating factors:

• Misappropriation of client monies causing a shortfall of £37,590.02
• Altered 45 cheques to make unauthorised payments totalling £52,808.01 to an internet referral company
• Misled clients and colleagues by using one client's funds to make good another's
• Initially denied making a personal payment to a client

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted the allegations and admitted dishonesty
• Accepted culpability and liability for costs
• Actions caused by stressful factors in professional and personal life
• Expressed deep regret and had no intention to return to practice