An Auckland barrister has been suspended for three months after admitting negligence.

Mohammed Faiyam Khan, a barrister currently practising at his own firm Khan & Associates in Manukau, failed to obtain the signature of a guarantor despite certifying that he had done so on a mortgage deed. He admitted to a charge of negligence or incompetence to “such a degree as to reflect on his fitness to practise or as to bring the profession into disrepute”. 

  Getting some respite for three months

The New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal found that Khan’s conduct did not amount to misconduct, though it was sufficient to amount to a charge of negligence. Khan was ordered to pay $5,000 in compensation and costs and has to make his practice available to inspectors for one year.

The New Zealand Law Society President Chris Moore said that lawyers are required to maintain very high standards in every transaction they carry out and “the need for care and accuracy is constant”. 

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