Anthony David Saunders

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

Anthony David Saunders, a non-solicitor conveyancing executive employed by Hewitson, Becke & Shaw, was found in 19 cases to have understated mortgage brokers' fees and overstated legal costs, arranging payments amounting to unauthorised fee sharing in breach of Rule 7 of the Solicitors Practice Rules, misleading both the firm and clients. The Tribunal found the allegation substantiated and made a Section 43 order controlling his future employment in the profession, ordering him to pay costs of £4,218.25. No express finding of dishonesty was made.

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• Costs and fee transparency to client
• No conflict between current clients
• Competence

Aggravating factors:

• 19 exemplified cases of misconduct
• Both the firm and clients were misled
• Payments disguised by misleading completion statements and reduced bills