David Buckle

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

The SRA alleged that Mr Buckle, a solicitor and senior partner, had acted improperly in relation to Mrs A, an elderly former client, by entering into a property development agreement (the Second Development Proposal) where there was an own interest conflict, took advantage of a vulnerable client, continued acting while conflicted, failed to put appropriate contractual documentation in place, and/or took unfair advantage while acting personally. The Tribunal dismissed all allegations, finding that Mr Buckle acted in his personal capacity as a financier rather than as a solicitor in the development, that Mrs A was not a vulnerable party (described as 'formidable'), that his interests were aligned with hers so there was no conflict, and that although he failed to ensure proper contractual documentation, this was to Mrs A's benefit and his own detriment. The Tribunal found Mr Buckle's evidence honest and credible, found the SRA's forensic officer evasive and the case poorly investigated, and concluded Mr Buckle was the only party who suffered loss. All allegations dismissed; SRA ordered to pay the Respondent £50,000 costs.