In a statement to a disciplinary tribunal, she shared, “I understand that at first glance, this may seem like a case of a lawyer mishandling client funds, but it is a story deeply intertwined with the long-lasting effects of domestic violence.”
For seven years, she and her children lived in constant survival mode, fearing her husband’s violent outbursts. They would often barricade themselves in a room to protect themselves from harm.
Describing the psychological toll, she mentioned, “The term survival mode falls short in capturing the true extent of the trauma.”
She believed that without intervention, their situation could have led to a tragic outcome.
Despite enduring the abuse, she continued to run a successful legal practice. However, she began using funds from her firm’s trust account to relocate and escape her abusive spouse.
‘Passion for Law’
During the tribunal hearing, she admitted that her initial withdrawal from the trust account was an error, but she continued to take more funds with the intention of repaying them.
She acknowledged that her actions warranted removal from the legal profession and regretted not shutting down her firm when overwhelmed.
“However, my love for the law was a source of solace amidst the darkness,” she expressed.
Acknowledgment of Wrongdoing
The lawyer’s misconduct was highlighted by Milan Djurich, representing the Standards Committee of the New Zealand Law Society. He emphasized the severity of her actions, labeling it as theft and a breach of professional ethics.
Following a client’s complaint, investigators discovered a shortfall of at least $200,000 in the trust account, leading to the Law Society seizing control of the funds.
While the lawyer couldn’t recall the exact amount withdrawn, her lawyer confirmed a shortfall of $203,000, which she acknowledged and accepted the consequences, including relinquishing her practicing certificate.
‘Recovery and Restitution’
After successfully resolving her relationship property dispute in the Family Court, she intends to utilize the settlement to reimburse the funds misappropriated from her clients.
Seeking to shed light on the circumstances that led to her actions, she requested the tribunal to consider the context of her abusive marriage when documenting their decision.
“This is my effort to share my truth, shaped by domestic violence and the crippling fear I endured,” she stated.
The tribunal ruled for her disbarment, requiring her to cover legal expenses and repay the embezzled funds.
 – Jeremy Wilkinson, Open Justice reporter
