Joanne Grace

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

Solicitor Joanne Grace, sole principal of Grace and Co, was found to have misappropriated mortgage/client funds for her own benefit, acted with a conflict of interest through her property company GPD, submitted false Certificates on Title, failed to fulfil undertakings to lenders (Mortgage Express, Bank of Ireland/Bristol & West), failed to cooperate with the SRA, failed to deliver her accountants' report, and failed to comply with an Adjudicator's decision. The Tribunal found dishonesty using the Twinsectra test in relation to the misappropriation and manipulation of transactions (allegations 1.1, 1.3 and 1.4), but did not find dishonesty in relation to her dealings with the SRA (1.5). She was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £33,034.41. The hearing proceeded in her absence.

Duties found breached:

• Advise on alternatives, settlement and outcome
• No own-interest conflict
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Honour professional undertakings
• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty found - misappropriated mortgage funds
• Manipulated transactions for her own financial benefit
• Direct personal financial interest via GPD (received £40,164 of client money)
• Submission of false and misleading Certificates on Title to lenders
• Failure to cooperate with SRA investigation
• Posed significant risk to the public

Mitigating factors:

• No previous disciplinary matters recorded