Audrey Perella

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

Sole practitioner whose accounting records were so poor that a Judicial Factor was appointed in February 2001. Reconstruction of accounts revealed a client account deficit of £25,546.74. The Respondent had taken a legally aided client's divorce settlement (which should have been refunded to the Legal Aid Board), moved it into general client funds, and used client money to meet personal and firm expenses while insolvent. The Tribunal found her guilty of professional misconduct, expressly characterising her embezzlement as disgraceful and dishonourable, and struck her name from the Roll. Proceedings were in absentia after her solicitor withdrew.

Duties found breached:

• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money

Aggravating factors:

• Embezzlement of client funds for personal gain
• Complete breach of trust
• Misappropriation of funds owed to the Legal Aid Board
• Accounting records not written up for 18 months to 2 years; office abandoned
• Conduct brought the legal profession into disrepute