5 Feb 2013
HART V AUCKLAND STANDARDS COMMITTEE 1 OF NEW ZEALAND LAW SOCIETY HC AK CIV-2012-404-5076
- Citation
- openlaw-fbdbaae4_a743_4079_a439_90849fd46691.pdf
- Court
- High Court
The High Court held the Tribunal did not err: it lawfully declined the adjournment and properly proceeded in the appellant's absence after finding deliberate disengagement and delay; a Standards Committee may refer charge three to the Tribunal; the Tribunal fairly evaluated witness and expert evidence and rightly preferred the respondent's expert that the fees were grossly excessive; and striking off was a proportionate sanction given the proven misconduct, prior disciplinary history, obstructive conduct and lack of insight; costs orders remain for enforcement.