Robin Alastair Jackson & Another

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

Two solicitor partners at Jacksons faced SDT proceedings following an SRA forensic investigation. The First Respondent (Robin Alastair Jackson) was found to have transferred £12,554.30 from client account to office account as unjustified costs on eight old probate matters, with the Tribunal finding this dishonest under the Twinsectra test. He also failed to notify clients of retained monies and accepted a significant £6,000 gift from a client without ceasing to act. He was struck off and ordered to pay £16,200 costs (90%). The Second Respondent admitted a Rule 2.03 breach relating to £4,140 of search fee rebates not passed to clients; he was fined £500 and ordered to pay £1,800 costs (10%). Costs orders not enforceable without leave of the Tribunal.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• No improper communication with the court
• No acting against a former client
• No conflict between current clients

Aggravating factors:

• Client money (£12,554.30) taken from client account without justification to assist firm's financial difficulties
• Firm had exceeded its agreed overdraft when transfers of costs were made
• Failure to produce daybooks or any documentary evidence to justify bills
• Old probate matters where beneficiaries/executors had not heard from firm for many years

Mitigating factors:

• Second Respondent: played a more minor role, was effectively junior partner (First Respondent's views prevailed under partnership agreement)
• Second Respondent: probate matters pre-dated partnership agreement; confusion in profession about rebates at the time
• Second Respondent: ceased retaining rebates as soon as raised; bankruptcy and personal/financial difficulties; positive references and testimonials