Beriston Bryan

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

Attorney Berriston Bryan was paid $30,000 as a retainer to represent complainant Errol Hammond in a coffee farm dispute but did no work. The Committee found he charged unfair fees, effectively withdrew from employment without refunding fees, and behaved in a manner discrediting the profession. Bryan repeatedly failed to attend hearings. He was ordered to make restitution of $30,000 plus 8% interest and pay costs of $40,000. No express dishonesty finding was made.

Duties found breached:

• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Fair, reasonable and lawful fees
• Prompt accounting and return of money

Aggravating factors:

• Failure to attend hearings on three occasions
• Failure to pay previously ordered costs, conduct found deplorable and discreditable
• Did no work for the retainer paid