Alexander David Winterton & Michael Miller

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

Two partners of City Legal Services LLP were struck off the Roll. The Tribunal found all allegations proved on the papers in the Respondents' absence. Both failed to co-operate with the SRA, failed to lodge Accountants Reports, overcharged client Mrs H by about 84% (bill of £147,977 assessed at £24,272), and failed to comply with Court Orders and an SRA Adjudicator's compensation order, and acted in a conflict of interest. The First Respondent alone was found to have acted dishonestly (applying Twinsectra) by signing Form RF1 falsely stating no client money was held, having transferred £20,373.17 out of the client account the day before. Both Respondents were struck off and ordered to pay costs of £37,000 jointly and severally.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• No improper communication with the court
• Comply with and respect court orders
• No direct dealing with represented party
• Advise on alternatives, settlement and outcome
• No conflict between current clients
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports

Aggravating factors:

• No remorse demonstrated by either Respondent
• Blatant disregard for the Solicitors' Code of Conduct and professional regulation
• Contemptuous attitude towards SRA, clients and professional colleagues
• Grossly overcharged client by close to 84% and failed to repay
• Repeated failure to comply with Court and Adjudicator orders
• First Respondent transferred £20,373.17 out of client account the day before signing the misleading Form RF1
• Failure to engage with proceedings

Mitigating factors:

• No previous findings of the Tribunal against either Respondent