Humphrey Lee Mcpherson

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

The complainant retained the respondent attorney for a personal injury matter, two conveyancing sales (Lots 50 and 60 Penwood Crescent) and a transfer of two lots, paying a total of J$230,000. The respondent withdrew from employment, failing to attend the personal injury litigation (which ended, requiring new counsel), failed to provide a statement of account or refund, and conditioned providing an account on withdrawal of the complaint. The respondent did not attend the hearings despite due notice. Applying the beyond reasonable doubt standard, the panel found the unchallenged complainant a witness of truth, found the respondent received J$230,000, withdrew causing prejudice, failed to provide a reasonable refund, acted with delay, and behaved in a manner unbecoming of the profession. No express finding of dishonesty was made.

Duties found breached:

• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Keep client informed and respond promptly
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Prompt accounting and return of money

Aggravating factors:

• Respondent consistently failed to attend hearings and provided no excuse despite being duly notified
• Conditioned providing a statement of account on the complainant withdrawing the complaint

⚠ figures not found verbatim in the source were dropped: ["unverified_fine_amount=200000"]