Peter Leslie Challen

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

Sole practitioner Peter Leslie Challen was found guilty of professional misconduct for grossly overcharging a single client (Picamore) by $160,241.55 over 18 months. He billed ~$286,000 when properly assessed costs were $126,682. The Tribunal expressly found no dishonesty, wilfulness or improper motive; the overcharging stemmed from inefficient/unproductive work and poor file management. Given his unblemished 45-year record, cooperation, repayment and rehabilitation, he was publicly reprimanded, fined $10,000 (parties had suggested $20,000), and ordered to pay costs on the standard basis.

Duties found breached:

• Fair, reasonable and lawful fees

Aggravating factors:

• Very significant extent of overcharging (billed ~$286,000 when assessed fees were $126,682)
• Overcharging occurred over an 18-month period
• Much of the overcharging arose from inefficient/unproductive work with no discernment as to reasonableness

Mitigating factors:

• No dishonesty, wilfulness or improper motive
• Isolated incident involving one client and one matter, no systematic overcharging
• First disciplinary finding in over 45 years of practice
• Full co-operation with investigation and proceedings
• Repaid overcharged amount and costs
• Recognition of shortcomings and significant rehabilitative steps (engaged external practice management consultant, training)
• Positive character references; no doubt as to fitness to practise