Peter William Silver

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

Peter William Silver, a solicitor admitted in 1991, faced allegations of conduct unbefitting a solicitor: failing to pay Counsel's fees, failing to reply to OSS correspondence, and failing to keep accounts properly written up and carry out reconciliations under the Solicitors Accounts Rules 1998. He admitted all allegations. No dishonesty was alleged or found. The Tribunal noted that his partner Mr Spencer's alcoholism, misconduct and subsequent suicide in December 2000 had greatly exacerbated the disarray in the practice, and that the Respondent had become physically and psychiatrically unwell and was not presently fit to practise. Despite two prior Tribunal appearances, the Tribunal imposed an indefinite suspension from practice commencing 18th June 2002 and ordered payment of costs subject to detailed assessment.

Duties found breached:

• Fair, reasonable and lawful fees
• Handle inadvertently received material
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports

Aggravating factors:

• Two previous appearances before the Tribunal (fine of £3,000 in January 1999 and reprimand in November 1999) for similar failings
• Failure to take a more active role in the running of his practice

Mitigating factors:

• No dishonesty alleged or found
• Exceptional and tragic circumstances relating to his partner Mr Spencer's alcoholism and suicide, which greatly exacerbated matters
• Respondent's own physical and psychiatric ill-health
• Correspondence had been hidden from him by his partner
• Admitted the allegations
• High professional standing as a respected criminal practitioner
• Circumstances beyond his control