LSC v Mark Andrew Pearson [2018]
On 1 February 2017 Mr Pearson was charged with one count of engaging in legal practice pursuant to section 24 of the Legal Profession Act 2007 in relation to his conduct in acting for Thomas Dixon in respect of proceedings against the ANZ Bank and then suing Mr Dixon for fees for this work when he was not entitled to do so.
Mr Pearson did not attend the hearing of the matter in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on 5 September 2017, claiming that he had not been properly served with the Complaint Sworn and Summons and supporting material. Presiding Magistrate Previtera found Mr Pearson had been properly served (by registered post) recorded a conviction and fine of $1,500 and awarded costs of $2,000 to the Commission.
Mr Pearson appealed the decision and sentence to the District Court. By judgement delivered on 17 December 2018 Judge Richards dismissed the appeal, upholding Magistrate Previtera's decision.
LSC v Kellie Bond [2018]
The respondent was charged with, and pleaded guilty to, two offences, one under section 24 of the Legal Profession Act 2007 (the Act), by engaging in legal practice when she was not an Australian legal practitioner, and the second under section 25 of the Act, by holding herself out as a solicitor when she was not entitled to practise law. While she did not accept money for her "legal services", she maintained a website that detailed her ability to practise in many areas of the law and acted for "clients" in their legal matters. The sentencing magistrate was disturbed by the audacity of her conduct and sentenced her to a supervision order for three years.