Pauline Lesley Butler

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

Pauline Lesley Butler, a sole practitioner solicitor, operated a scheme over at least eight years raising false bills and improperly transferring client funds to prop up her office account, causing a minimum client account shortage of £170,620.64. The Tribunal found all three allegations substantiated and made an express finding of dishonesty under the Twinsectra test based on her own admissions. She was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £22,515.97.

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead the court
• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports

Aggravating factors:

• Improper transfers of client money over at least eight years
• Elaborate scheme with numerous false entries to conceal conduct
• Minimum cash shortage of £170,620.64 on client account not replaced
• Significant claims on Compensation Fund (approx £900,000 claimed, ~£600,000 paid)
• Clients suffered as a result of misappropriation of funds

Mitigating factors:

• Longstanding depression and medical difficulties
• Personal and financial problems including practice debts
• Admissions made during SRA investigation
• Positive references submitted