Michael Katz

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

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• Complaints procedure and handling
• Handle inadvertently received material
• No improper solicitation or touting

Aggravating factors:

• Three previous appearances before the Tribunal (1988, May 1995, September 1995) for broadly similar conduct
• Repeated failures to reply to the Bureau's correspondence and to comply with Directions
• Failed to make payment despite repeated reminders

Mitigating factors:

• Suffering from stress and possible mental ill health; consulted psychiatrist and took antidepressants
• Significant personal and marital problems including separation from wife and family bereavement
• Had undertaken considerable work on the complainant's complex commercial matter and issued proceedings promptly
• Faced conflicting interests over the R.W. file (Registrar of Criminal Appeals/solicitor advocate asked him to retain papers; taxation requirements)
• Apologised for his failures and handed over a cheque for GBP 720 to the client at the hearing
• Undertook to assemble and deliver a complete set of papers within 21 days
• Had reduced his caseload to alleviate stress; admitted the allegations