PETER JOHN WARD

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

The Legal Practitioners Complaints Committee brought three complaints of unsatisfactory conduct against Peter John Ward: neglect in acting for client Ms B (including failing to attend four court status conferences and to respond to the court), and two counts of failing to respond to Complaints Committee enquiries (regarding Ms B and Ms T). Ward admitted all facts. A clinical psychologist's report found his conduct stemmed from adverse psychological reactions to past experiences. The Tribunal imposed conditions on his right to practise (mandatory treatment up to two years and six-monthly practice audits), fines totalling $2000 ($1500 + $250 + $250), and costs of $2000. No dishonesty was found.

Duties found breached:

• Cease acting on client perjury or disobedience
• Complaints procedure and handling

Aggravating factors:

• Serious abrogation of duty to client and to the court
• Failure to attend court on four occasions and failure to explain to court when required

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted all facts and accepted conduct amounted to unsatisfactory conduct
• Fully cooperated with Tribunal, underwent psychological assessment
• Psychological problems (reaction to marriage breakdown and Vietnam experiences) explained the conduct
• No other significant problems found on audit of practice
• Winding down practice towards retirement