The Auckland legal practitioner was given a second chance
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An Auckland lawyer has been suspended by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal for misconduct.
Yipu Shi has been given a 15-month suspension, with the date commencing 7 June 2017. She is barred from practicing on her own account until authorised by the tribunal.
The lawyer, who was admitted in 2012, conceded to two charges of misconduct related to conveyancing transactions. She acted for both parties in two transactions, as well as falsely stating that she witnessed the complainant’s signing.
Mitigating factors saved the lawyer from being struck off. Shi had relatively limited conveyancing experience and had deficient supervision, the tribunal said. The lawyer also admitted to her wrongdoing, cooperated with the tribunal, and suffered financially due to not being able to practice. There was also no element of personal gain and she apologised to the complainant, the tribunal said.
Costs of $8,743.88 were awarded to the prosecuting lawyers standards committee. Shi will also refund $4,549 in costs that the New Zealand Law Society was ordered to pay.
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