Ian Peter Moss

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

Ian Peter Moss, a sole practitioner, was found guilty of conduct unbefitting a solicitor after effectively abandoning his practice, failing to respond to OSS correspondence, failing to pay Counsel's fees, hindering the intervention, failing to keep proper accounting records, and failing to comply with an Adjudicator's decision. His conduct was attributed to a depressive illness triggered by financial difficulties following the withdrawal of Legal Aid for personal injury work. No dishonesty was alleged or found. The Tribunal suspended him indefinitely (with liberty to apply for determination on medical evidence) and ordered costs of £4,590.16.

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• No taking unfair advantage
• Proper termination and return of instructions
• Advise on alternatives, settlement and outcome
• No conflict between current clients
• Prompt accounting and return of money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports

Mitigating factors:

• Depressive illness triggered by financial and personal problems, supported by GP letter
• Did not deliberately set out to create the problems (accepted by the Applicant)
• Withdrawal of Legal Aid for personal injury work rendered his business financially untenable
• Attempted to protect clients' interests by transferring files
• Considerable recovery of mental health and now in beneficial employment
• Sums ordered by Adjudicator paid before the hearing (via intervention agent)
• Admitted facts and allegations