Lorraine Earle

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

Attorney Lorraine Earle was retained by complainant Grace Peart to incorporate a company, make two visa applications, and process title/probate work, receiving $212,500 plus handling a $50,000 cheque drawn on a closed account. She performed none of the work, failed to account, failed to return documents, and disappeared. The Committee found her guilty of professional misconduct in breach of Canons IV(r), IV(s), VII(b)(ii) and I(b). Although the Committee found she 'fraudulently encashed' a cheque, it did not expressly convict her under a dishonesty finding beyond the discredit-to-profession canon. She was ordered struck off the Roll, to make restitution of $262,500 plus interest, and pay $20,000 costs.

Duties found breached:

• Honesty
• No taking unfair advantage
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money

Aggravating factors:

• Received $212,500 and performed none of the retained work
• Fraudulently encashed a $50,000 cheque drawn on a closed account and failed to reimburse
• Failed to return client's valuable documents including titles and passports
• Failed to respond to complaint or attend disciplinary proceedings
• Previously struck off the Roll on 22 March 2006