queensland Lawyer Faces Removal from Roll Over Visa Application Mishandling
A queensland lawyer is facing being struck off the roll of legal practitioners after being found permanently unfit to practice, following complaints regarding his handling of visa applications for three clients. The Legal Practice Tribunal found that solicitor Michael McCormick engaged in unsatisfactory professional conduct and professional misconduct,culminating in a advice for his removal.
The complaints centred around McCormick’s portrayal of clients seeking residency in Australia. Issues arose when an initial application fee payment failed due to banking problems, leading to the application being rejected the same night. A bridging visa was afterward applied for, but not granted for six days, leaving the clients without a valid visa during that period. The clients terminated their engagement with McCormick in September 2021, and he subsequently failed to provide them with a full copy of their file despite repeated requests.
The Legal Services Commission brought four charges against McCormick, characterizing his actions as unsatisfactory professional conduct. His non-compliance with written notices from the Commission was deemed professional misconduct.Justice Frances Williams,alongside panel members Petrina Macpherson and Keith Revell,concluded that McCormick had demonstrated he was permanently unfit to remain in legal practice,further inferring indifference to his professional obligations due to his lack of engagement with the Commission and the Tribunal.
The three affected clients have filed applications for compensation exceeding $50,000. Justice Williams indicated that further evidence and submissions will be required before a decision on compensation is made. The case is Legal Services Commissioner v McCormick [2025] QCAT 299.
