Probate Manager Banned from Working for Law Firms

A Greater Manchester probate manager who has admitted to making improper withdrawals has been banned from working for a law firm.

John Philip Dunne, probate manager at Bury-based law firm Butcher & Barlow, admitted to making 140 improper withdrawals over a period of 11 years, resulting in a shortage of £730,700.51 on 20 different client accounts. The Solicitors Regulation Authority launched an investigation in January 2013 after Mr Dunne resigned from his post in November 2012.

A spokeswoman for Butcher & Barlow said:

"Over three years ago we identified that Mr J P Dunne had caused incorrect transactions to be recorded in our records.

"As a result of our internal audit procedures we discovered irregularities and immediately reported the matter to the SRA who fully investigated the circumstances.

"They found no fault with Butcher & Barlow or any other members of the firm and confirmed that all irregularities had been rectified without loss to any clients."

Mr Dunne was ordered by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal to pay costs of £5,500.

If you need help applying for Grant of Probate or dealing with the estate of a loved one, contact our probate solicitors on 0161 928 5558 for advice.

Collings

Probate Solicitors