Robert L. Ramsey

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

Attorney Robert Ramsey represented the Sassos in the sale of 12 Parkhurst Drive and purchase of 11 Waterworks Road. Beyond the agreed 1.75% fixed fee, he charged US$4,000.00 for research and drafting of a Special Joint Tenancy Clause, claiming 21 hours of work were needed. The Panel accepted the Complainant's evidence that the Attorney had been instructed early on about the precedent (3 Chester Avenue title) and found the clause was never even included on the title. The Committee found the US$4,000.00 fee not fair and reasonable and found the Attorney guilty of professional misconduct. Complaints of failure to account and breach of Canon 1(b) were not upheld. No dishonesty was found. The Attorney was fined US$4,000.00 and ordered to pay J$300,000 in costs.

Duties found breached:

• Fair, reasonable and lawful fees

Mitigating factors:

• Hitherto unblemished professional reputation
• No finding of dishonesty