Beriston Bryan

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

The complainant paid the attorney $30,000 as a retainer to represent him in a dispute over a coffee farm (Hammond v Leslie), evidenced by a receipt. The attorney did no work on that matter and failed to refund the fee. The attorney failed to attend the hearing on three occasions and did not pay earlier costs orders. The Panel found Mr. Bryan charged fees that were not fair and reasonable, discredited the profession, and effectively withdrew from employment without refunding fees. He was ordered to make restitution of $30,000 plus 8% interest and pay $40,000 costs within 30 days. No express finding of dishonesty was made.

Duties found breached:

• Fair, reasonable and lawful fees
• Prompt accounting and return of money
• Uphold public trust in the profession