Legal Practice Board v Tilley

The case of Legal Practice Board v Tilley and Accord Group (WA) Pty Ltd involves the Legal Practice Board seeking penalties against David Bertram Tilley and Accord Group (WA) Pty Ltd for engaging in the administration of law without being duly certified legal practitioners. The respondents admitted to performing legal work, including drafting documents related to business transactions, despite not being licensed legal practitioners. The court had to decide the appropriate penalties for the contempt of court committed by the respondents.

The court considered the nature and duration of the contempt, the respondents' motivation, and the mitigating factors. The court found that the contempt was moderately serious due to the sustained and repeated nature of the illegal activities over a six-month period. However, the court also acknowledged that the contempt was committed in ignorance of the law and that Tilley intended to assist his client at minimal cost. The court further noted Tilley's exemplary character and contributions to the community as mitigating factors. Given the gravity of the contempt and the mitigating circumstances, the court imposed fines of $2000 on each respondent and ordered them to pay the Legal Practice Board's costs.