An ‘overworked’ solicitor who admitted making a se

An ‘overworked’ solicitor who admitted making a series of errors in practice was fined pnds stlg 3,000 today.

(THURS)

Basil Preuveneers, 53, was reported to the Law Society by the Legal Aid Board after he allegedly overcharged them by a massive 62 percent.

Investigators also discovered pnds stlg 13,550 of clients money was wrongly lodged in office bank accounts due to clerical errors.

Preuveneers also failed to pass on vital information to bank and building society clients involved in property deals, the Solicitors’ Disciplinary Tribunal heard.

Preuveneers today (THURS) admitted that he made some blunders but suggested the boom of the early 90s was to blame.

‘I can’t understand but I think I was incredibly careless and overworked and rushed off my feet,’ he said.

‘As regards the allegations I have admitted I am extremely ashamed and sorry.

‘

But he said he had throughly reviewed and improved the working practices at his firm, B Preuveneers and Co based in London Road, Mitcham.

Mr Gerald Lynch, for the Law Society, said Preuveneers’ firm became involved in immigration work when the Legal Aid Board complained about five specific bills.

‘I do not say that Mr Preeuveneers in any of these acts has been deliberately dishonest,’ said Mr Lynch.

‘That is not an allegation that I make.

‘

The panel was told the firm billed pnds stlg 100,000 a year for immigration work, representing about 20 percent of their turnover.

But Preuveneers said when the complaint was made it was his intention to scale down that side of the business.

Because of this he did not challenge the legal aid claims.

‘I think I just gave up when I should have insisted we went through each and every one of the letters,’ he said

He admitted he should have supervised employees more throughly and has subsequently scaled down the number of staff he employs to improve the business.

The tribunal heard the money placed in the wrong account was returned without loss to any party.

David Morgan, for Preuveneers, said: ‘Clearly he was overstretched at the time and I hope you understand he has drawn his horns in.

‘

Preuveneers admitted four allegations; that he failed to act in the best interests of clients; that he failed to act in respect of where conflict existed; that he acted in breach of solicitors rules seven and eight; and that he failed to exercise adequate supervision over employees.

But he denied he had improperly sought to benefit from overcharging clients in connection with his practice as a solicitor.

And the tribunal panel accepted Mr Morgan’s insistence the solicitor had not gained from his errors.

Chairman David Leverton said: ‘We feel that your client should be given the benefit of the doubt.

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In addition to the fine of pnds stlg 3,000 Preuveneers will have to pay costs, although these will be fixed at a later date.

ends