Failure to inform clients of material updates and take instructions in property matter is unsatisfactory conduct

A Standards Committee (Committee) determined that a lawyer, Ms H, engaged in unsatisfactory conduct after acting inappropriately while representing clients in a property matter. Ms H breached the Lawyers and Conveyancers (Conduct and Client Care) Rules 2008 (RCCC) after she failed to inform her clients about developments in the purchase…

Barrister sole fined $5,000 after receiving payment for fees directly from a client 

A Standards Committee (the Committee) determined that a barrister sole, Mr B, engaged in unsatisfactory conduct after he received payment for fees directly from a client in advance of a criminal trial. The Committee found that he was in breach of rule 14.2(e) of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act (Lawyers:…

Lawyers must exhibit care and honesty when signing documents in both professional and personal settings

A Standards Committee (Committee) determined that a lawyer, Ms A, engaged in unsatisfactory conduct after she asked two junior colleagues, Mr B and Mr C, to sign a misleading letter which she then provided to her bank. The Committee considered that all three lawyers had engaged in conduct that tends to bring the profession into disrepute, in breach of rule 10.2 of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act…

Lawyer censured after failing to provide confirmation of employment to former employee

A Standards Committee (Committee) determined that a lawyer (Ms C) engaged in unsatisfactory conduct after failing to provide confirmation of employment to her former junior employee (Mr F). The Committee considered that the obligation to provide confirmation of employment is essential to the maintenance of the legal profession. Ms C…