Law Society-v-William Murnin

By Video Conference 19 November 2020.  The Tribunal having considered the Complaint at the instance of the Council of the Law Society of Scotland against William Murnin, 97 Finnart Street, Greenock; Find the Respondent guilty of professional misconduct in that he (1) Knowingly issued fee notes and took funds from client ledgers which were unjustified and excessive, and improperly overcharged clients up to a total amount in excess of £200,000, (2) Created a deficit on the client account up to an amount in excess of £200,000, (3) Failed to render fee notes and (4) Submitted inaccurate accounts certificates up to and including 30 April 2010; 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 and the witnesses who gave evidence before the Tribunal on 2 and 3 November 2020 but need not identify any other person.

Kenneth Paterson

  Vice Chair