A suspended lawyer maintains that the tribunal did not give him a fair hearing
The New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal has stressed the importance of legal professionals cooperating with the disciplinary body after it handed down a two-year suspension.
The tribunal suspended Michael Brian Meyrick from practicing as a barrister and solicitor for a period of two years that commenced on 3 May, the New Zealand Law Society said.
Meyrick, who has retired from legal practice, was found guilty of two charges of misconduct. He was found to have not complied with fines and cost orders made by lawyers’ standards committees and the Legal Complaints Review Officer. He is also said to have falsely declared to the Law Society that he complied with the orders.
“A failure to do so, which is wilful and reckless, has to be regarded seriously such that a period of suspension is the starting point for the consideration of penalty,” the tribunal said in its decision.
“We consider that a period of suspension is required. We have stopped short of making an order striking his name off the roll of barristers and solicitors. He has retired from practice and does not present a danger to the public,” it said.
Meyrick did not advance material matters in mitigation and maintained his bitter views of the Law Society. He also said that the tribunal did not give him a fair hearing, the Law Society said.
The tribunal has also ordered the suspended lawyer to pay costs of $12,688.39 to the Law Society.
