In this chapter of our investigative series, we expose how the Victorian Legal Services Board (VLSB) allegedly transformed from a professional regulator into a weaponised force — dismantling the career and livelihood of a small‑firm lawyer who dared to challenge it. br 🎙️ MEET THOMAS FLITNER br A respected solicitor who ran a suburban law firm in Greensborough for over 20 years, Thomas Flitner built his career on client dedication. But after standing up to the VLSB in a disciplinary matter — and winning in the Court of Appeal — he became a target. The Court ruled in his favour, finding the penalty “manifestly excessive” and awarding costs. Instead of moving on, the VLSB allegedly escalated its actions, beginning what Thomas calls a relentless campaign of retaliation. br br ⚖️ THE TAKEOVER br On 23 October 2023, while Thomas was home unwell, two men — Gordon Cooper and Nick Curran — entered his office and took over without notice, explanation, or service of documents. He had no chance to seek an injunction. br 💥 Staff were sacked. br 💥 Client access was cut. br 💥 Emails, including his personal account, were blocked. br 💥 Computers were seized. br 💥 Clients were told to “go elsewhere.” br br 📩 AFTERMATH br The firm was not saved — it was shut down. Thomas’s mental health deteriorated. When he turned to WorkCover, Curran denied his employment, sabotaging the claim, then retroactively terminated him. His lawyer, Stephen Walters, accused the Board and Curran of deliberately dismantling the practice. br br 🚫 BLOCKED SALE br Thomas had a willing buyer — his own lawyer — but the VLSB refused, without reason or hearing. Eight weeks later, the firm was transferred to De Maria Associates for nothing. Thomas was not bankrupt, not struck off — just erased. br br 🧱 SYSTEMIC BREAKDOWN br Despite approaching IBAC, the Ombudsman, Parliament, and the courts, Thomas found no redress. His experience, he says, shows how Victoria’s legal oversight framework allows regulators to act with impunity. br br 💬 A GROWING CHORUS br Thomas joined other lawyers featured in earlier episodes to form a support network for professionals targeted by the VLSB. They allege: br br Abuse of regulatory powers br Conflicts of interest br Misuse of the Public Purpose Fund br Reputational sabotage of whistleblowers br 🔊 WHY THIS MATTERS br This is more than one man’s story. It’s a warning of what happens when a regulator evades oversight, suppresses dissent, and weaponises its powers. What happened to Thomas could happen to any practitioner — or any citizen — when power is unaccountable and justice is out of reach. br 📣 WATCH. SHARE. EXPOSE. br We give voice to those silenced. Demand transparency, accountability, and reform. Share this if you believe in justice, the rule of law, and institutional accountability. Comment below if you or someone you know has faced abuse of power. Subscribe for more investigations into legal corruption and whistleblower cases.