Michael Rickaby

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

Michael Rickaby, an unadmitted conveyancing clerk heading the "Just New Homes" department at Berkeley Domecq Solicitors, acted for both buyers/borrowers and lenders in numerous sub-sale/back-to-back conveyancing transactions involving connected companies (C Limited, CH Limited, PPS Limited, KS) owned by Mr and Mrs NW. He failed to report material facts to lenders, including that completion funds came from a third party (PPS) rather than the purchasers, that transactions were sub-sales, that purchase prices had been reduced, and that declared incomes were unsupported by bank statements. He signed misleading Certificates of Title certifying six-month ownership when sellers had owned the properties for less, and failed to comply with money laundering regulations (no customer due diligence; unverified identities; ignoring suspicious account entries). The Tribunal found all allegations proved to the highest standard and made a s.43 Order. No express finding of dishonesty was made (and none was required for a s.43 Order). Ordered to pay agreed costs of £1,417.50.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• Disclose material information to client
• Safeguard documents and limit liens