Debby-Ann Samuels

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

The Lintons (Complainants) engaged the Respondent Attorney, Debby-Ann Samuels, around February 2013 for the purchase of property from Norma Linton. The Complainants alleged the Attorney acted for both purchaser and vendor, failed to communicate, delayed, failed to account for funds, and breached various Canons. Numerous funds were paid over (including JMD 1,050,000, JMD 25,000, JMD 500,000, USD 509.90, JMD 100,000, USD 6,037, and JMD 30,000), and the transaction was never completed. Applying the criminal standard of proof, the Panel found the Complainant a credible witness and the Respondent evasive. It found her GUILTY of failing to provide information on the progress of the business, failing to act with due expedition, and breach of Canon 1B (including placing herself in a conflict of interest by acting for both vendor and purchaser). It found her NOT GUILTY of failing to account for moneys (she admitted holding USD 6,037 and the funds were available), breaching a professional undertaking (no evidence of any undertaking), and breaching Regulation 16 of the Accounts and Records Regulations 1999. No express finding of dishonesty was made. Sanction was deferred to a future hearing.

Duties found breached:

• Diligence and timeliness
• Keep client informed and respond promptly
• No own-interest conflict
• Uphold public trust in the profession