Debby-Ann Samuels

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

The Complainant retained the Respondent attorney in 2017 to add her name to a title registered in her cousin's name, at an agreed fee of $80,000. Between 2017 and 2021 the Complainant paid a total of $183,300 ($104,000 in fees, an overpayment, plus $79,300 for taxes). After approximately 7 years, against an agreed 6-month timeline, the Complainant's name was still not on the title. The Respondent admitted she deliberately paced/delayed the work because she sought additional fees beyond what was agreed. The Panel found the Respondent guilty of professional misconduct under Canons IV(r), IV(s) and I(b). Two other particulars (professional undertaking and conflict of interest) were dismissed for lack of evidence. No express finding of dishonesty was made. Sanction was deferred to allow mitigation.

Duties found breached:

• No conflict between current clients
• Overriding duty to the court
• Uphold public trust in the profession

Aggravating factors:

• Respondent admitted deliberately delaying action on the matter because additional payments were not forthcoming
• Approximately 7 years elapsed against an agreed 6-month timeline with the title still not transferred
• Respondent failed to file an Affidavit in Response within the time allowed by Regulations or by the Panel
• Respondent failed to file a List of Documents as ordered by the Panel
• Client overpaid yet the work remained incomplete