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Solicitor penalised for sending threatening letter to minor
A regional solicitor was reprimanded and fined for sending a threatening letter to a minor to commence proceedings.
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Source: Facebook / JH Mobile Lawyers
Jessica Riddell, a solicitor based in NSW regional suburb Goonellabah, was found to have engaged in unsatisfactory professional conduct.
According to the NSW Office of the Legal Services Commissioner’s Register of Disciplinary Action, Riddell sent a threatening letter to a minor to commence court proceedings when it was “not appropriate to do so”.
The Council of the Law Society of NSW handed down a reprimand and a fine of $2,000.
Riddell must also provide an apology to the complainant and complete legal ethics training with the Law Society’s professional support unit.
According to JH Mobile Lawyers, Riddell offers clients a “mobile, affordable, friendly service” at their convenience.
The website states the firm prides itself on its “friendly and approachable manner and will support your wellbeing as a priority”.
The NSW Law Society also recently refused to renew Delmont Purcell’s practising certificate because he was “unable to fulfil the inherent requirements of legal practice”.
Mai Anh Nguyen, a solicitor with Empower Legal, was also refused renewal of a practising certificate.
According to the register, Nguyen engaged in legal practice without holding a practising certificate and failed to comply with a notice for over six years.
Naomi Neilson is a senior journalist with a focus on court reporting for Lawyers Weekly.
You can email Naomi at: