The Respondent was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors on 2 December 2002. The Respondent was at all material times, and remains, a partner of David Barney & Co.

The conduct giving rise to these proceedings came to the attention of the Applicant on 1 June 2023, when Client A, a former client of the Respondent, reported concerns regarding the Respondent’s conduct of a property transaction between Client A and his son, JR. The transaction involved the transfer of Client A’s home, Property X, into JR’s sole name. Property X was Client A’s only asset and his residence.

Following an investigation by the Applicant, allegations were brought against the Respondent that he had failed to provide Client A with any or adequate information regarding the terms of his instruction and client care arrangements, or advice on the transaction. And further that when acting for Client A on the transfer of Property X, the Respondent communicated with or through JR and took instructions on aspects of the transaction from JR.

The Tribunal found Allegation 1 proved on the basis that the Respondent had provided Client A with inadequate information regarding the terms of his instruction and client care arrangements and advice on the transaction. Allegation 2 and the allegations of manifest incompetence were dismissed.

The Tribunal ordered that the Respondent be Reprimanded.