KAREN ALETHEA MULLALLY WROUGHTON

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

The State Administrative Tribunal found Karen Wroughton guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct (the Committee having amended down from professional misconduct) arising from her representation of a client in District Court negligence proceedings against a surgeon. She instituted and continued the action without any supporting expert evidence, failed to advise the client on merits, costs and the need for expert evidence, failed to pass on settlement offers, delayed responding to opposing solicitors, and failed to keep the client informed. No express finding of dishonesty was made. In the supplementary decision, the Tribunal publicly reprimanded her and ordered her to pay the Committee's costs of $6,746.40. Suspension was not available as she no longer held a practising certificate.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• No improper communication with the court
• Keep client informed and respond promptly
• Advise on alternatives, settlement and outcome

Aggravating factors:

• Practitioner declined to give evidence or offer explanation on oath
• Conduct made the proceedings longer and more expensive, including an adjournment request causing delay

Mitigating factors:

• Cooperated with the Committee's investigation
• No dishonesty or intention to cause detriment found
• Received no financial benefit and did not charge or seek to recover costs from client
• Apologised unreservedly to the client and his family
• No longer in private practice and had not held a practising certificate since June 2012