Herbert W. Grant

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

Marnol Limited (via Noel Jumpp) complained that Attorney Herbert W. Grant failed to prosecute an action against Eagle Merchant Bank, failed to keep the client informed, and acted with inexcusable/deplorable negligence. The Panel found the Attorney bore personal professional responsibility for the litigation. It found he failed to advise the client in writing and act with due expedition between 1997 and 2000 (breach of Canon IV(r)). However, it found he was NOT guilty of inexcusable or deplorable negligence (Canon IV(s)) because by 1997 the bank was insolvent and there was no prospect of recovery, so his delay caused no loss. No dishonesty or moral turpitude found. The Attorney was reprimanded, with no compensation and no order for costs.

Duties found breached:

• No conflict between current clients

Mitigating factors:

• No legal fees charged to complainants for the period after 1997
• Close personal relationship with client made withdrawal understandable
• Failure to advise with expedition caused no loss to complainants
• Conduct not unbecoming and involved no moral turpitude