28 Aug 2020
SHAND v LEGAL COMPLAINTS REVIEW OFFICER & ANOR [2020] NZHC 2219
- Citation
- [2020] NZHC 2219
- Court
- High Court
Rule 12.2, read purposively in its statutory context, imposes professional obligations on lawyers who dispute third‑party fees: to inform the third party within a reasonable time why fees are disputed, to promptly pay any portion accepted as reasonable, and to attempt negotiation or pursue appropriate dispute resolution for the balance; failure to meet those obligations may constitute unsatisfactory conduct. The High Court upheld the Standards Committee's finding of unsatisfactory conduct but set aside the Committee's order requiring payment of the full disputed invoice because that exceeded…