Louis Hardy Charlebois

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

Louis Hardy Charlebois, a sole practitioner solicitor, was struck off the Roll for multiple breaches including operating client account and practising without a Practising Certificate or indemnity insurance, failing to account for approximately £55,000 of client funds in a conveyancing transaction, failing to cooperate with Law Society inspection, failing to register a client's property, and failing to deliver an Accountant's Report. The Tribunal found the allegations substantiated and ordered him struck off with £3,000 costs. No express finding of dishonesty was made.

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• Handle inadvertently received material
• No improper use of client money
• Prompt accounting and return of money
• Professional indemnity insurance
• Hold a current practising certificate
• Report serious misconduct of others
• No improper solicitation or touting

Aggravating factors:

• Approximately £55,000 of client funds remained unaccounted for
• Failed to cooperate with Law Society inspection of accounts
• Continued practising without Practising Certificate or indemnity insurance
• Failed to register client's property leaving it registered to previous owner
• Compensation Fund payments required
• No explanation provided for conduct

Mitigating factors:

• Respondent was 70 years old
• Bankrupt and unemployed
• Offered to work gratuitously to alleviate Law Society's costs