A solicitor has denied stealing thousands of pounds handed to him by the firm's clients.
Nathan Horsley pleaded not guilty to 17 charges of theft from 11 alleged victims.
The 33-year-old, who was working for a Sunderland-based firm of solicitors at the time of the allegations, will stand trial later this year.
Horsley was further released on bail after entering his not guilty pleas at Newcastle Crown Court.
Judge Robert Spragg told him: “You have pleaded not guilty and there will be a trial.
“That will take place on October 2 and there will be a pre-trial review on June 26.”
Horsley, who no longer works at Hedley’s & Co, in Fawcett Street, Sunderland, is accused of stealing around £19,000 from people who were clients of the firm.
The alleged offences are said to have spanned three years.
Horsley, of Ashfield Close, Hartlepool , was released on unconditional bail until the next hearing.
