Michael Alexander Brown

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

In Complaint No 117/2023, the Disciplinary Committee of the General Legal Council found attorney Michael Brown guilty of professional misconduct under Canons IV(s), IV(r) and I(b) for inexcusable and deplorable negligence in allowing his client Vivian Robinson's personal injury claim to become statute-barred after seven years of representation. Applying the Fuglers/Minett Lawrence sentencing framework, the Committee found no dishonesty, so suspension or striking off was not warranted, but a reprimand was insufficient. It imposed a fine of $3,768,581.93 (calculated from a proposed compensation figure reduced for contributory negligence and litigation contingencies) to be paid to the complainant under s.12(5) of the Legal Profession Act, plus costs of $300,000 ($250,000 to the complainant, $50,000 to the GLC).

Duties found breached:

• Act only on proper, lawful instructions
• No conflict between current clients
• Uphold public trust in the profession

Aggravating factors:

• No expression of remorse or apology to the complainant
• Made no attempt to settle even when offered an olive branch; instead doubled down and chose to defend the complaint
• Failed to make good any loss even after being found guilty
• Represented complainant over seven years yet allowed the claim to become statute-barred
• Complainant (67) left unable to claim compensation for serious injuries including a chronic leg ulcer

Mitigating factors:

• First time the attorney has been found guilty of professional misconduct
• Misconduct did not involve dishonesty or moral turpitude
• Some initial work done (letter to insurer and police report request)
• Financial responsibilities for children and ill father
• Put in place an office system to improve communication

⚠ figures not found verbatim in the source were dropped: ["review_dishonesty_finding_cue_present"]