Chad Everett ROWE

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

Chad Everett Rowe faced 28 charges of professional misconduct/unsatisfactory professional conduct over conduct between 2011 and 2015, including unsubstantiated allegations against his former wife, conveyancing incompetence, misleading the QLS, reprisal overcharging, failure to lodge reports, non-compliance with complaint notices, dealing with another solicitor's client, offensive correspondence, contempt of court and vexatious litigation. He did not contest the charges but argued his mental illness excused or mitigated his conduct. The Tribunal found all 28 charges established, cumulatively amounting to professional misconduct, and held mental impairment did not alter the character of the conduct. Finding him permanently/indefinitely unfit and that no lesser sanction would protect the public, the Tribunal ordered his name removed from the roll and that he pay the Commissioner's costs on a standard basis. No express finding of dishonesty was made.

Duties found breached:

• No abuse of process or coercive powers
• No improper communication with the court
• No taking unfair advantage
• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• No conflict between current clients
• Competence
• No baseless or threatened misconduct report

Aggravating factors:

• Persistent pattern of contrary conduct over nearly four years (2011-2015)
• Found in contempt of Supreme Court and sentenced to 12 months imprisonment (suspended)
• Declared a vexatious litigant by the Supreme Court
• Ongoing and indefinite unfitness to practise

Mitigating factors:

• Mental illness/major depressive disorder related to marital problems
• Voluntarily surrendered practising certificate in 2013
• Did not deny the conduct and acknowledged inability to practise