Finding
Professional misconduct under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (Vic) + Unsatisfactory conduct under the Legal Profession Act 2004 (Vic)
Penalty
1. The practitioner having pleaded guilty as charged is found guilty of Charges 37911141518 and 19. 2. The practitioner is reprimanded in relation to each finding of guilt. 3. The practitioner is to pay: a. the Victorian Legal Services Board a global fine of $30000 in respect of the findings of guilt for all charges; and b. the Victorian Legal Services Commissioners costs of this application fixed by the Tribunal (and with consent) in the sum of $15000 by nine monthly instalments of $5000 commencing on 30 July 2019. 4. By no later than 31 March 2020 the practitioner is to complete three hours of professional development in relation to the Legal Profession Uniform Law Australian Solicitors Conduct Rules 2015 over and above the practitioners normal obligations in relation to continuing professional development. The practitioner has undertaken to the Tribunal and to the Victorian Legal Services Commissioner: i. not to accept instructions in relation to: a. drawing a will; b. acting as solicitor for any executor or solicitor of a deceased estate other than in relation to immediate family members; and ii. to forthwith renounce any appointment as an executor of a deceased estate (other than a deceased estate of an immediate family member).