Firm ref: 57904
Sol ref: 225081
Our ref: TRI/2961-2009/CF3
STEPHEN MARTIN ANDERSON (Ad. 2000)
Partner in Donald Race & Newton Solicitors of Burnley, Lancashire
REGULATORY SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
Mr Stephen Martin Anderson agrees to the following outcome of the investigation into his professional conduct under reference TRI/2961-2009.
Background
1. On 23 June 2008 the Forensic Investigation department of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (“SRA”) carried out an inspection of Donald Race & Newton and produced a Report dated 26 September 2008 (“the Report”).
2. The Report identified irregularities in connection with certain property transactions conducted by Mr Anderson.
Admission
3. Mr Anderson makes the following admission:
That he breached Rule 1.03 of the Solicitors Code of Conduct 2007 in that:
• Despite a conflict between a client’s instructions and his advice in respect of certain property transactions, he failed to take further steps such as ceasing to act; and
• He recorded prices for the purchase of certain properties that were inaccurate, despite his professional obligation to complete official documentation accurately.
Regulatory Outcome
4. Mr Anderson is reprimanded.
5. Mr Anderson agrees to pay the costs of the SRA limited to the caseworking costs of investigation in the sum of £600.00
6. This Regulatory Settlement Agreement will be published by the SRA and may be disclosed by the SRA as they see fit.
7. Mr Anderson agrees that he will not act in any way inconsistent with this agreement such as, for example, by denying the misconduct set out in his Admission.
8. If Mr Anderson acts in any way inconsistent with this agreement, all issues may be referred for consideration of referral of his conduct to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (or SRA internal decision) on the original facts and allegations and also on the basis that such failure to comply with this agreement may constitute a breach of Rules 1.2, 1.3 and 1.6 of the Solicitors’ Code of Conduct 2007.
9. The date of this agreement is 12 March 2010
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Stephen Martin Anderson
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David Middleton
Legal Director
Solicitors Regulation Authority