Law Society-v-Andrew Paterson Penman

Edinburgh, 18 February 2022.  The Tribunal, having considered the Complaint dated 21 July 2021 at the instance of the Council of the Law Society of Scotland against Andrew Paterson Penman, 68 Orchard Terrace, Hawick; Find the Respondent guilty of professional misconduct singly and in cumulo in respect that he acted dishonestly when he advised a client he had taken action when he knew he had not, he misled clients, he took fees significantly in excess of subsequently audited fees, he failed to render fees, he failed to comply with the Accounts Rules, he failed to communicate effectively with his clients and others, he failed to act in the best interests of clients, and he failed to carry out instructions; Order that the name of the Respondent be Struck Off the Roll of Solicitors in Scotland; Direct in terms of Section 53(6) of the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 that this order shall take effect on the date on which the written findings are intimated to the Respondent; Find the Respondent liable in the expenses of the Complainers and of the Tribunal including expenses of the Clerk, chargeable on a time and line basis as the same may be taxed by the Auditor of the Court of Session on an agent and client, client paying basis in terms of Chapter Three of the last published Law Society’s Table of Fees for general business with a unit rate of £14.00; and Direct that publicity will be given to this decision and that this publicity should include the name of the Respondent but need not identify any other person.

Beverley Atkinson

  Vice Chair