J. Vernon (Jonathan) Ricketts

Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision

Attorney Jonathan Vernon Ricketts was retained to obtain subdivision approval, splinter titles, and transfer nine lots to purchasers. He received $2,077,810.00 by February 2003 for stamp duty, registration fees and costs but failed to effect any transfers over three years, failed to account for or return the funds despite repeated demands, and failed to keep clients informed. The Committee found breaches of Canons I(b), IV(r), IV(s) and VII(b), constituting professional misconduct. While noting the seriousness citing Bolton v Law Society, the tribunal made no express finding of dishonesty. He was struck off the roll and ordered to pay restitution of $2,077,810.00 with 6% interest plus $80,000 costs.

Duties found breached:

• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Act only on proper, lawful instructions
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• No baseless or threatened misconduct report

Aggravating factors:

• Held $2,077,810.00 for more than three years without accounting or completing transfers
• Failed to complete transfer of nine lots despite full payment of fees
• Ignored repeated verbal and written requests to hand over files and monies
• Funds impressed with a trust (stamp duty and registration fees) not used for their purpose
• Failed to attend hearings despite ample opportunity
• Severe embarrassment caused to complainants