Tribunal found dishonesty and fraud after clients were directed to pay money into her personal account.
Fiona Parsons struck off after £161,215 client money loss, following a Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal finding that she had repeatedly misappropriated client money over approximately six years. The Tribunal ordered that Parsons be struck off the Roll of Solicitors after concluding that the seriousness of her dishonest conduct was extremely high.
Parsons, a conveyancing solicitor at Lambe Corner LLP, was alleged to have abused her position between June 2016 and February 2023. The Tribunal heard that the misconduct came to light in February 2023 after a client disclosed that a £400 payment had been made directly to Parsons’ personal bank account rather than the firm. The firm subsequently suspended and dismissed her for gross misconduct and reported the matter to police.
An investigation established that Parsons had directed clients to pay money into her personal account rather than the firm’s account. Approximately £249,459 was misappropriated, of which around £88,244 was repaid, leaving the firm with a net loss of approximately £161,215. The investigation also identified cash payments from clients, although the total amount received in cash could not be determined.
Parsons pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position on 12 March 2025 and was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment at Worcester Crown Court on 24 April 2025. At the time of the Tribunal hearing, she had recently been released from prison on licence.
The Tribunal found that the seriousness threshold for professional misconduct was clearly met because Parsons had acted dishonestly and her conduct had caused significant harm. It noted that she had taken payment for work she did not undertake and had been convicted of fraud.
In assessing sanction, the Tribunal described the seriousness of the conduct as “extremely high”. It found that the misconduct was dishonest and fraudulent, had continued over an extended period, involved an abuse of trust and resulted in harm. Parsons had also obtained a personal advantage from her actions.
The Tribunal noted mitigating matters including Parsons’ guilty plea, her expression of regret and the absence of previous disciplinary findings. However, it concluded that there were no exceptional circumstances capable of justifying a sanction short of striking off.
The final order, dated 21 September 2026, struck Parsons from the Roll of Solicitors. The Tribunal also made no order as to costs, reflecting her financial circumstances.