RESULT: Fined | Disciplinary Committee decision delivered February 12, 1999.
FORMAL ORDER OF THE DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE
OF THE GENERAL LEGAL COUNCIL MADE ON COMPLAINT NO. 176 OF 1995
IN THE MATTER OF MISS HAZEL STEER vs JOHN SINCLAIR ATTORNEY-AT-LAW
AND
IN THE MATTER OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION ACT
PANEL:
MR. RICHARD EVANS – CHAIRMAN
MRS. MARGARETTE MACAULAY
MR. JEROME LEE
DECISION DELIVERED – 12TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 1999
UPON THE APPLICATION dated 27th December, 1995 made under Section 12 (1) (A) of the Legal Profession Act coming on for hearing before the Disciplinary Committee and the matter having been heard on the 14th January, 1998.
AND UPON the Complainant, Hazel Steer having appeared and given evidence on oath.
AND UPON the Attorney-at-Law not appearing on the 14th January, 1998 or 12th February, 1999
AND UPON DUE CONSIDERATION of the evidence of Miss Hazel Steer
THE COMMITTEE FINDS that the Attorney-at-Law, John Sinclair is guilty of breach of Canons 4(r) and (s) in failing to keep his client advised of the progress of her matter and inexcusable neglect in failing to have the matter brought on for trial.
PURSUANT TO THE FORGOING FINDING, THE DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY ORDERED:
That a fine of $150,000 be imposed on John Sinclair, Attorney-at-Law of which $75,000 is to be paid to the complainant pursuant to section 12(5) of the Legal Profession Act in partial satisfaction of any damages she may have suffered as a consequence of the Attorney’s professional misconduct. The balance of $75,000 is payable to the General Legal Council. Costs of $8,000 are awarded against the Attorney to the complainant.
Dated the 15th day of February, 1999
RICHARD EVANS
CHAIRMAN OF PANEL