Ng Chee Sing

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

The respondent, an advocate and solicitor admitted in 1995, acted for both mortgagors and mortgagee (Public Finance) in two mortgage loans totalling over S$2.5 million. The mortgagors were his nominees, and he concealed from Public Finance that part of the loan proceeds would be used by him and Tarun Jain for personal investment. He failed to register the mortgages, failed to account for S$1,088,687.51 of loan sums, and repeatedly failed to respond to client queries. The Disciplinary Committee found all four charges made out. The High Court (Court of Three Judges) agreed, expressly finding the respondent's concealment was dishonest and that he was unreliable, untrustworthy and dishonest. Rejecting his inexperience and remorse as mitigation, the court struck him off the roll and ordered him to bear costs.

Duties found breached:

• Keep client informed and respond promptly
• No improper use of client money
• Not misrepresent regulated status

Aggravating factors:

• Premeditated scheme with Tarun Jain to reap personal profit
• Abuse of confidence placed in him as a solicitor by his clients
• Deliberate concealment of the true situation from his clients
• Repeated failure to respond to clients and their solicitors despite numerous reminders

Mitigating factors:

• Fresh, inexperienced lawyer with only about one year in practice
• Appeared remorseful and apologetic
• Made partial restitution of S$144,324.07 to the complainants