R. A.(Bill) Salmon

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

The attorney was retained in 1972 to act in the purchase of land for the complainant, who paid in full, was put in possession, and built a house on the land, yet never received documentary title some 35 years later. The Committee, applying the criminal standard of proof, found the complainant to be a truthful witness and concluded the attorney breached Canon IV(s) by acting with inexcusable and/or deplorable negligence and neglect. He was fined $250,000 (with $200,000 to go to the complainant as partial compensation) and suspended from practice for 6 months. No finding of dishonesty was made.

Duties found breached:

• Uphold public trust in the profession

Aggravating factors:

• Delay of 35 years in providing title
• Attorney failed to provide any reasonable explanation for not delivering title