Julie Theresa DEVERY

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

Solicitor Julie Theresa Devery faced five charges arising from neglect of a client's litigation, failure to hand over the file, failure to pass on money to a medical practitioner, and failure to respond to the Commissioner's notices. Charges 1, 2 and 4 were found to be unsatisfactory professional conduct; charges 3 and 5 (failure to respond to notices) were automatically professional misconduct under s 443. No dishonesty was found. She was publicly reprimanded, fined $2,500, restricted to employee-level practice for one year if she reapplies, and ordered to pay $1,500 costs, with three months to pay given her financial circumstances.

Duties found breached:

• Professional independence
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• No improper use of client money
• Report serious misconduct of others

Aggravating factors:

• Client exposed to dire consequences (bankruptcy notice) due to inaction
• Persistent failure to respond to client and new solicitors' requests for the file
• Continuing failure to cooperate with the Commissioner's investigation

Mitigating factors:

• No prior disciplinary history (admitted 1984)
• Admitted all charges and particulars
• Difficult personal and financial circumstances (quiet practice, dependent son, husband with little income, forced to sell home, receivers appointed)
• Cooperation and agreement to sanctions