Milan Patel

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

Milan Patel, sole director of ALD Legal Limited, was found to have misappropriated client money by using AB's £500,000 to make 13 improper payments (£226,972.52) unconnected to AB, causing a client account shortage of £177,235.19. He concealed a sub-sale transaction whereby HB Consultants Limited (his business partner's company) bought the property for £438,000 and resold it to AB for £500,000, made a secret profit, misled AB about title and registration delays, acted despite a significant conflict of interest, failed to conduct proper anti-money laundering due diligence, and used the client account as a banking facility. The Tribunal found dishonesty proved in Allegations 1.1-1.5 (not 1.7, and not the money laundering allegation). Proceeding in his absence, the Tribunal struck him off the Roll and ordered him to pay costs of £27,412.10. No mitigating features or exceptional circumstances were found.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• Integrity
• Professional independence
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Act in the client's best interests
• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank
• Segregate client money
• No improper use of client money
• Firm governance, systems and compliance
• AML and crime-prevention compliance

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty found in five allegations relating to deception of client AB
• Motivation was personal financial gain
• Conduct was planned, premeditated and concealed over a protracted period
• Significant harm caused to client AB who had to investigate and instruct new solicitors and was not reimbursed
• Substantial harm to the reputation of the legal profession
• Previous disciplinary finding in 2012 (fine of £15,000 and costs), including lack of integrity and recklessness
• Solely culpable as sole director, COLP, COFA and MLRO

Mitigating factors:

• None advanced or found