Roy William Andrew Miller

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

Roy William Andrew Miller, a sole practitioner formerly trading as Miller & Co, was found guilty of professional misconduct in cumulo in three separate respects: mishandling Mr A's court action (lost documents, delay, failure to deal with witnesses, inadequate agent instructions, failure to update client), failing to progress Mrs C's divorce (losing her marriage certificate, failing to communicate), and financial compliance failures (VAT/PAYE arrears to HMRC, uncorrected ledgers, failure to co-operate with inspections), together with repeated failures to respond to the Law Society's correspondence and statutory notices. The Tribunal proceeded in his absence. No dishonesty was found. Given the aggravating features, including three prior Tribunal findings, no remorse and a clear risk of repetition, the Tribunal ordered that his name be struck off the Roll of Solicitors. He was found liable for the expenses of the Complainers and Tribunal. Compensation was later awarded: £1,000 to Mr A and £1,319 to Mrs C.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• No improper communication with the court
• Advise on alternatives, settlement and outcome
• No conflict between current clients
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Cooperate openly with regulators

Aggravating factors:

• Three previous Tribunal cases against the Respondent; four findings over a six-year period
• Repeated failures to look after clients' interests and to respond to the regulator
• Clear risk of repetition if allowed to practise
• No remorse shown and no apology to clients or the Law Society
• Serious financial/accounting issues including significant HMRC arrears