Lauren Marie Boyd

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

The Complainant retained the Respondent attorney in 2006 to pursue a personal injury claim arising from a February 25, 2006 motor vehicle accident. Despite obtaining a police report and medical report by September 2006, the Respondent never submitted a claim to the insurer or filed in court, allowing the six-year limitation period to expire. The Respondent claimed she was awaiting a further medical report and the client's "go ahead." The panel found the Respondent failed to protect the client's interests despite knowing the limitation period, and found her guilty of professional misconduct under Canons 4(r), 4(s), and 1(b). No express finding of dishonesty was made. Sanction was deferred to allow the Respondent to be heard in mitigation per Owen Clunie v GLC.

Duties found breached:

• Handle inadvertently received material
• No improper communication with the court
• No improper use of client money
• Uphold public trust in the profession

Aggravating factors:

• Respondent allowed the six-year limitation period to expire despite being aware of it
• Respondent never put her position or advice to the client in writing