The Respondent was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors on 1 February 2019. At the material time, he was practising as a consultant solicitor at Lawrence Kurt Solicitors Ltd (“the Firm”).

An investigation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority commenced following reported concerns regarding the Respondent’s conduct while acting on behalf of Client A in relation to the proposed sale of Property A, Client A’s residential home.

Client A, who was 81 years old at the relevant time, had approached KPM (the proposed purchaser) after responding to a newspaper advertisement offering to purchase properties for cash. Client A was reportedly concerned about the impending end of his mortgage deal and the prospect of increased interest rates, and was therefore motivated to achieve a quick sale.

The allegations brought by the SRA were that, between approximately 6 December 2022 and 31 January 2023, the Respondent had failed to act in the best interests of Client A by (i) failing to undertake proper enquiries in relation to the transaction, (ii) failing properly to advise Client A as to the risks and consequences of the sale, and (iii) failing to take account of Client A’s needs and circumstances. It was further alleged that the Respondent had acted recklessly.

Having carefully considered the evidence and submissions, the Tribunal found that none of the allegations were proven to the requisite standard. Accordingly, the Tribunal dismissed all allegations against the Respondent.