Janet Mason, the counsel who assisted the Commission of Inquiry into the appointment of Barbara Malimali, has been suspended by the New Zealand High Court for one month for misconduct.
This follows her appeal against the decision of the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal, which had found her guilty of misconduct for failing to complete a two-day Introduction to Civil Litigation Skills training course within a specified period.
The Tribunal had initially suspended Mason for three months, but the order was stayed pending her appeal to the High Court.
The suspension was also deferred until 11th April 2025 to allow her to complete her role in Fiji.
According to the High Court ruling, Mason presented a medical certificate dated 26th August 2024, stating she would be unfit for work until 31st December 2024.
However, the Tribunal found the certificate vague, lacking in detail, and not up to standard, carrying little weight.
Despite the certificate, Mason accepted the role of counsel assisting the Fijian Commission of Inquiry in October 2024.
Under cross-examination, she admitted the work was demanding.
Her claim that the change in environment reduced her stress was deemed unconvincing by the Court.
The New Zealand High Court has now confirmed her suspension for one month, effective from 1st August.
