PETER JOHN WARD

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

The Legal Practitioners Complaints Committee brought three complaints of unsatisfactory conduct against sole practitioner Peter John Ward: neglect of client Ms B's Supreme Court matter (including failing to attend four status conferences and failing to respond to the court), and two failures to respond to Committee enquiries regarding clients Ms B and Ms T. Ward admitted all facts. His conduct was linked to psychological issues arising from marital breakdown and Vietnam service. The Tribunal obtained a clinical psychologist's report and imposed conditions requiring ongoing treatment (up to two years) and six-monthly practice audits, plus fines totalling $2000 and costs of $2000. No dishonesty was found.

Duties found breached:

• Cease acting on client perjury or disobedience
• Complaints procedure and handling

Aggravating factors:

• Serious abrogation of obligations to client and to the court
• Repeated failures over an extended period, including failing to attend court on four occasions and failing to explain absence to the court

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted all facts and accepted conduct amounted to unsatisfactory conduct
• Full cooperation with the Tribunal, including voluntarily undergoing psychological assessment and treatment
• Psychological problems (marriage breakdown and adverse reaction to Vietnam service) provided explanation for conduct
• No other significant problems found on audit of his practice
• Winding down practice towards retirement; expense of imposed conditions