Beriston Bryan

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

Attorney Berriston Bryan was retained under a contingency fee agreement to negotiate compensation for the complainant, who had been shot. After advising that $14 million was reasonable compensation and refusing a $3 million offer, Bryan took no further steps from February 2004, filed no action, and refused to see or take calls from the complainant. The Panel proceeded in his absence and found beyond reasonable doubt that he failed to act with due expedition and acted with inexcusable neglect. A fine of $50,000 was imposed (of which $40,000 to be paid to the complainant) plus $5,000 costs, payable by 17 July 2008. No finding of dishonesty was made.

Duties found breached:

• No conflict between current clients
• No improper communication with the court

Aggravating factors:

• No explanation provided for the delay
• Refused to see complainant or take his calls
• Failed to pay earlier costs order of $1000
• Absent from hearings

Mitigating factors:

• Complainant's right of action was not yet statute barred