Former Family Court Director turned private attorney Dale Cayetano has been reprimanded by the General Legal Council. The Council found that Cayetano's actions in a recent case crossed the line into professional misconduct.
The decision comes after a complaint brought by Lorena Chilin.
The Council ruled that Cayetano breached the Code of Conduct for attorneys when he represented a man in a case he was previously involved in as a judicial officer - while he was still Director of the Family Court.
Evidence presented showed that Cayetano had sat through a contempt hearing as Director - and later, after entering private practice, appeared in the same case as legal counsel for the opposing party, Mr. Bouloy.
The Council found this to be a clear breach of Rule 73, which prohibits attorneys from taking private cases they previously handled in a public or judicial role.
He was also found to have breached Rule 4, which requires attorneys to uphold the integrity and dignity of the legal profession.
Chilin and another witness, Ms. Quiroz, testified that Cayetano had discussed case-related matters with Chilin - without immediately disclosing that he would be representing her legal opponent.
The Council rejected Cayetano's version of events and said that while the misconduct did not cause irreparable harm, it warranted a formal reprimand.
Cayetano has now been barred from appearing in any further proceedings between Chilin and Bouloy in the Family Court. The Council noted that this is his first recorded infraction - but reminded him to be more careful in choosing cases.
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