Ellis v Auckland District Law Society - [1998] 1 NZLR 750

Law practitioners — Discipline — Suspension — Delay of nearly five years between dates of offence and hearing — Whether purpose for imposing penalty of suspension rendered futile by delay — Whether suspension “manifestly excessive” — Alternative penalty — Orders for costs — Ability to pay as relevant factor — Suppression order — Law Practitioners Act 1982, ss 112 and 118.

Law practitioners — Professional misconduct — Misconduct in a solicitor's professional capacity — Drawing cheques on trust account before incoming cheques cleared — Law Practitioners Act 1982, s 112.