Chrystine A. Bernard

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

The attorney was retained to act in a land sale transaction (acting for both vendor and purchaser) and was paid J$913,807.50 by the complainant for stamping and legal fees. She failed to stamp the agreement, register the transfer, or take adequate steps to complete the transaction, forcing the complainant to borrow money and obtain title himself. The Committee found she failed to account for the funds because she knowingly used the client's money for her own or other purposes. She was struck off the Roll, ordered to pay restitution of J$1,182,761.40 (principal plus 10% interest), and J$50,000 costs to the General Legal Council. Although the tribunal found she 'knowingly used' client money, no express finding of dishonesty was stated.

Duties found breached:

• No taking unfair advantage
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Safeguard documents and limit liens
• No improper solicitation or touting

Aggravating factors:

• Knowingly used client's money for her own or other purposes
• Failed to account for client funds
• Failed to complete the transaction over a period of approximately two years

Mitigating factors:

• Attorney apologized to the complainant for the hold up of funds