SDT expels Sean Michael Callaghan after 16-year client money scandal

Solicitor and deputy district judge struck off for dishonest misappropriations

Sean Michael Callaghan has been struck off the Roll of Solicitors after admitting he dishonestly misappropriated money over many years from clients and employers at two law firms. The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) approved an Agreed Outcome on the papers and ordered him to pay £1,500 in costs.

According to the Tribunal, Callaghan’s misconduct spanned more than sixteen years across two practices. While at BTMK Solicitors Limited, from February 2003 to April 2019, he took funds belonging to the firm or its clients. He then repeated similar conduct at Palmers Solicitors between May 2019 and March 2020, again diverting monies either from the firm or clients. The case was advanced—and admitted—on the basis that his behaviour was dishonest throughout.

For the BTMK period, the SDT found breaches of the Solicitors’ Code of Conduct 2007 (Rules 1.02, 1.04, 1.06) and the Solicitors’ Accounts Rules 1998 (Rule 22) up to 6 October 2011; for the period thereafter to April 2019, he breached SRA Principles 2011 (Principles 2, 6 and 10) and SRA Accounts Rules 2011 (Rules 1.2 and 20.1). At Palmers, his conduct up to 25 November 2019 also breached Principles 2, 6 and 10 and Accounts Rules 2011 (Rules 1.2 and 20.1). From 25 November 2019, he breached SRA Principles 2019 (Principles 2, 4 and 5) and Accounts Rules 2019 (Rule 5.1).

The SDT emphasised that misappropriating client or employer funds “struck at the heart of what the public would expect of a solicitor”, invoking Bolton v Law Society—that solicitors “may be trusted to the ends of the earth.” In line with its Sanctions Guidance (June 2022), the Tribunal noted that a finding of dishonesty “will almost invariably lead to striking off,” absent exceptional circumstances. None were present or advanced.

In brief reasons, the panel—Mr P Jones (chair), Ms A E Banks and Dr S Bown—confirmed it had reviewed the agreed bundle, was satisfied Callaghan’s admissions were properly made on the civil standard of proof, and that striking off was necessary to protect the public and uphold confidence in the profession. The order was made following a paper consideration on 20 June 2022, with reasons dated 29 June 2022 and the judgment later published.

The case summary records that, in several instances, Callaghan also provided false information to his employer and to clients during the period of his misconduct. Notably, he held part-time judicial office as a Deputy District Judge while the wrongdoing occurred—an aggravating backdrop underscoring the seriousness of his departures from professional standards.

The Tribunal therefore struck him off and ordered £1,500 in costs, reflecting means information set out in the agreed statement. No other sanction could meet the objectives of protecting the public, maintaining public confidence, and declaring proper standards.

The SDT’s formal listing confirms Case ID 12319 with publication details and outcome; the SRA’s public notice also records that an Agreed Outcome was considered and approved on 20 June 2022, resulting in Callaghan’s strike-off.