Peter Leslie Challen

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

The respondent solicitor, a sole practitioner with over 45 years' experience, was found to have committed professional misconduct by charging a single client (Picamore) grossly excessive fees over an 18-month period. He billed approximately $286,000 when costs were ultimately assessed at $126,682, meaning overcharging of $160,241.55, which he repaid. The Tribunal expressly found no dishonesty, wilfulness or improper motive; the overcharging stemmed from inefficient/unproductive work and poor file management. Given his unblemished record, cooperation, isolated nature of the conduct and rehabilitative steps, the Tribunal ordered a public reprimand, a $10,000 penalty, and payment of the applicant's costs on the standard basis.

Duties found breached:

• Fair, reasonable and lawful fees

Aggravating factors:

• Very significant extent of overcharging (billed ~$286,000 against assessed $126,682)
• Overcharging arose from inefficient/unproductive work without discernment as to reasonableness
• Overcharging occurred over an 18-month period

Mitigating factors:

• No dishonesty, wilfulness or improper motive
• Isolated incident confined to one client and one matter, no systematic overcharging
• Over 45 years in practice with unblemished record - first disciplinary finding
• Full co-operation throughout investigation and proceeding
• Repaid the overcharged amount and legal costs
• Significant rehabilitative steps - engaged external practice management consultant, undertook training and reforms
• Positive character references from senior barristers and clients
• No doubt as to fitness to practice