Timothy John Sellers

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

Timothy John Sellers, managing partner at Foreman Law, twice withdrew client money (£6,710.50 and £500) from a miscellaneous client suspense ledger to settle a negligence claim against him and repay a tenant's deposit, rather than using office account. He admitted the SAR 1998 breaches but denied dishonesty. Applying the Twinsectra test, the Tribunal found both objective and subjective dishonesty proven, rejecting his explanations of pressure and non-concealment. The case did not fall within the Sharma exceptions, and he was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay £11,500 costs.

Duties found breached:

• No improper use of client money

Aggravating factors:

• Two separate withdrawals two months apart showing a course of conduct
• Experienced solicitor and managing partner well acquainted with accounting procedures
• Used a miscellaneous client suspense ledger source unlikely to be quickly detected
• Concealed the negligence claim from partners and failed to notify insurers
• Took no steps to repay first sum before making second withdrawal

Mitigating factors:

• Acted under significant work and financial pressures during redundancy/financial crisis
• No personal gain in the usual sense
• Admitted the SAR breaches and misconduct promptly
• Positive testimonials/good character
• Intended to replace the funds but was expelled before able to
• Brought about his own financial ruin