An administration error in which the firm failed to notify the Western Australian practice board that it was incorporated could cost the firm more than $200,000.

Perth lawyer John Hammond left his previous firm Hammond Worthington in April this year to incorporate a new practice as Hammond Legal.

But a secretary, who had taken time off sick at the time, failed to file the appropriate papers with Western Australia’s legal practice board. Under the state’s Legal Profession Act, it’s illegal for a new firm to set up without notifying the board.

When the firm realised the error when moving offices in June, the board ordered Hammond inform clients they had a right to ask for their fees back.