Louis E.A. Forde

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

The Respondent attorney had carriage of sale and acted for both parties in a land purchase. He received $11,000 (the balance of the purchase price) from the complainant, lodged it in an account, but issued the vendor a cheque that was dishonoured. He never accounted for the funds, never effected the transfer of title (the registered proprietor being deceased with no representation in his estate), and did not attend any hearing. The Committee found him guilty of professional misconduct and ordered him struck off the Roll, to pay $11,000 restitution and $550 costs. No express finding of dishonesty was recorded.

Duties found breached:

• No improper communication with the court
• Fair dealing with unrepresented parties
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Safeguard documents and limit liens
• No baseless or threatened misconduct report
• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues

Aggravating factors:

• Failed to account for the $11,000 to either client
• Cheque given to vendor for $11,000 was dishonoured for insufficient funds
• Took no effective steps to complete the transaction or transfer title
• Did not attend any hearings or offer any explanation