Herbert W. Grant

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

Marnol Limited complained that Herbert W. Grant failed to prosecute an action against Eagle Merchant Bank and failed to keep the client informed. The Panel found the Attorney had assumed personal professional responsibility despite not having day-to-day conduct. It found he failed to act with due expedition and to advise the client in writing (until 2000) that pursuing the action was pointless, breaching Canon IV(r). However, given the Bank's insolvency from 1996-97 and the lack of prospect of recovery, the Panel found the Attorney was NOT guilty of inexcusable or deplorable negligence under Canon IV(s), and his failure caused no loss. No dishonesty or moral turpitude found. The Attorney was reprimanded, with no order for costs and no compensation.

Duties found breached:

• No conflict between current clients

Mitigating factors:

• Close personal relationship between the Attorney and complainant
• No legal fees charged for the period after 1997
• No loss caused to complainants by the failure to advise with expedition
• Nothing unbecoming or involving moral turpitude in the Attorney's conduct