Bryan H S Slater & Another

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

Two solicitors faced SDT proceedings arising from Mr Slater receiving £26,500 of client monies into his personal account in breach of a practising certificate condition prohibiting him from handling client money. Both admitted the allegations. The Tribunal resolved a factual dispute in favour of the First Respondent, finding he only knew of a £3,000 payment. No dishonesty was alleged; the Tribunal found Slater's evidence evasive and unreliable and found breaches including failure to act with integrity, but made no express dishonesty finding. Given Slater's blatant and calculated conduct and two prior appearances, he was struck off and ordered to pay £10,000 costs (not enforceable without leave). The First Respondent, on his first appearance and having self-reported, was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay £2,000 costs (total agreed SRA costs £12,000). Slater's subsequent High Court appeal was dismissed with costs and permission to appeal refused.

Duties found breached:

• Uphold public trust in the profession
• No improper use of client money
• Prompt accounting and return of money
• Report serious misconduct of others

Aggravating factors:

• Third appearance before the Tribunal; two previous SAR breaches (fined £4,000 and £3,000)
• Conduct found to be blatant and calculated, done for self-interest to circumvent a practising certificate condition
• Conscious and cavalier disregard for the Solicitors Accounts Rules
• Gave evasive and unreliable evidence to the Tribunal
• Failure to learn from previous appearances

Mitigating factors:

• No dishonesty alleged by the SRA
• Clients involved were sophisticated commercial clients who supported him
• Driven by financial difficulties (mortgage arrears, school fees)
• No personal enrichment at the firm's or clients' expense
• Character references and current employer support