An international law firm’s head cashier, who transferred money to her personal account, has been banned from working for solicitors without the regulator's prior approval.
Amanda Bell worked for London firm CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP, where stole a ‘considerable amount of money’ over a long period of time, according to a Solicitors Regulation Authority decision notice. The SRA said: ‘On the 124 occasions when she transferred funds to her own account from her firm’s office account, she took steps to conceal and disguise the payments as genuine financial transfers.
‘It appears that she knew that the action was dishonest as she sought to disguise the payments made in the firm accounts by covering the payments up by using generic terms such as "interest" or "charges".'
In March 2024, Bell admitted in writing that she transferred several sums to her personal accounts while in a position of trust as the firm’s head cashier.
The SRA commissioned a forensic investigation to identify and detail all the payments made, the amounts, dates and beneficiary account numbers which were personal accounts held by Bell. Its report also looked into the methodology adopted by Bell in order to execute the payments.
The SRA said: ‘Amanda Bell’s conduct was serious. The thefts occurred over a long duration of time. Ms Bell sought to disguise the thefts and there was a considerable amount of money involved over the course of the multiple thefts. Ms Bell was also in a position of trust as the firm’s head cashier.
‘Honesty is required from all those involved in the provision of legal services and Amanda Bell has proved that she can act without this on multiple occasions and over a significant period of time.’
The regulator made a section 43 order which will prevent solicitors and firms regulated by the SRA from employing or remunerating Bell without prior approval.
It will also prevent such firms from allowing her to be a manager or from having an interest in them without prior approval.
