Jennifer Jacqueline Housen

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

Attorney Minett Lawrence was found by the GLC Disciplinary Committee to have committed professional misconduct and was struck off the roll, ordered to pay restitution of US$498,000 with compound interest and J$750,000 costs. On appeal, the Court of Appeal set aside the Committee's express finding of dishonesty (conceded by the GLC as unsupported by the criminal standard of proof) and the breaches of canons IV(r) and VII(b)(ii) relating to failing to account for funds. However, the court affirmed breaches of canons IV(k) (conflict of interest acting for both lender and borrower), IV(s) (inexcusable and deplorable negligence) and I(b) (dishonourable conduct). The restitution order was reduced from US$498,000 to US$47,000 (with 2% compound interest), and the strike-off was affirmed as warranted even absent dishonesty given the gross negligence and lack of integrity. Costs of J$750,000 affirmed.

Duties found breached:

• Overriding duty to the court
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• No conflict between current clients

Aggravating factors:

• Seasoned commercial attorney of about 28 years' experience
• Client was only 22 years old and reposed trust in her
• Appellant introduced and promoted the questionable investment scheme
• Failure to conduct due diligence on overseas entities involving large sums
• Lack of candour in the 12 September 2008 letter falsely stating funds had been received and disbursed
• Caused client's funds matter to involve her non-attorney husband's account and a dishonoured US$15,000 cheque
• Serious and continuing harm to the complainant

Mitigating factors:

• Previously unblemished disciplinary record
• Impressive curriculum vitae and work history
• Evidence of good character

⚠ figures not found verbatim in the source were dropped: ["review_dishonesty_finding_cue_present"]