A law student who told fibs about her legal qualifications has managed to claim compensation from her former employer.
Qian Deng was interviewed by Auckland firm Henry Feng Lawyers for a role as a solicitor. At the interview Deng told the firm's director Henry Feng that she had a law degree from the University of Auckland, even though she hadn't yet finished the course.
Deng also failed to impress her boss with the quality of her work. Feng said she handled "clients' matters carelessly", charged clients incorrectly and was reticent to learn. On top of this, Deng illegally signed a client document with the name and signature of a former employee. Feng also asked Deng to report on work she had done each day, but Feng refused. Other than that, she seemed to be doing ok.
In September 2016, Feng discovered that Deng still hadn't graduated from University. Deng finally fessed up and said that she hadn't completed her degree, but would finish her exams and become a solicitor in April 2017. However, Feng said that was too long to wait and sacked Deng via email.
Deng brought the matter to the Employment Relations Authority claiming that she had been bullied and sexually harassed at the firm. The ERA found no evidence of either of the claims. It also said that the reason for her dismissal was valid given that she had supplied false information to the firm.
However, the ERA ruled that Feng should not have sacked Deng by email, but instead provided an opportunity for any concerns to be addressed. The ERA therefore ordered Feng to pay Deng damages for wages and for humiliation, which was calculated at $1,823.08.
Tip Off ROF
Qian Deng was interviewed by Auckland firm Henry Feng Lawyers for a role as a solicitor. At the interview Deng told the firm's director Henry Feng that she had a law degree from the University of Auckland, even though she hadn't yet finished the course.
Deng also failed to impress her boss with the quality of her work. Feng said she handled "clients' matters carelessly", charged clients incorrectly and was reticent to learn. On top of this, Deng illegally signed a client document with the name and signature of a former employee. Feng also asked Deng to report on work she had done each day, but Feng refused. Other than that, she seemed to be doing ok.
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Feng told a massive porkie pie |
In September 2016, Feng discovered that Deng still hadn't graduated from University. Deng finally fessed up and said that she hadn't completed her degree, but would finish her exams and become a solicitor in April 2017. However, Feng said that was too long to wait and sacked Deng via email.
Deng brought the matter to the Employment Relations Authority claiming that she had been bullied and sexually harassed at the firm. The ERA found no evidence of either of the claims. It also said that the reason for her dismissal was valid given that she had supplied false information to the firm.
However, the ERA ruled that Feng should not have sacked Deng by email, but instead provided an opportunity for any concerns to be addressed. The ERA therefore ordered Feng to pay Deng damages for wages and for humiliation, which was calculated at $1,823.08.