Senior Barrister Janet Mason is anticipated to face a three-month suspension from practicing law due to disciplinary actions stemming from her failure to complete a mandated civil litigation course. This decision has emerged following proceedings conducted by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal.
Mason is currently involved in assisting the Commission of Inquiry (COI) investigating the appointment process surrounding Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). The inquiry aims to ensure that the process adhered to principles of integrity, fairness, and transparency as per legal standards.
During a recent tribunal hearing in Wellington, which Mason attended remotely from Fiji, she contended that these disciplinary actions were an effort to sideline her from the inquiry. Mason, who holds dual citizenship in New Zealand and Fiji, has confirmed that she remains committed to her role in the inquiry, despite the ongoing challenges.
Additionally, the tribunal initially considered postponing the penalty phase until the COI’s report is finalized in April, but ultimately ruled for a three-month suspension commencing in April. Mason is also responsible for the costs associated with the disciplinary complaint made against her. A formal decision, including a censure, will be published later.
As part of her defense, Mason has already initiated an appeal against the tribunal’s decision, disputing the misconduct ruling and raising concerns about alleged bias and perceived unfairness in the process. She has argued that her past failures to complete the required course were due to priorities in client work and urgent case needs, a situation she believes will be mitigated by the addition of more attorneys to her practice.
Furthermore, there are ongoing discussions within the Fiji Law Society urging Mason to step aside temporarily from her role in the inquiry to prevent any potential erosion of public confidence in its integrity. This recommendation follows scrutiny over her disciplinary history and her application for a practicing certificate in Fiji, which has raised serious questions regarding the handling of her case by relevant authorities.
Despite these challenges, Mason has emphasized her commitment to the inquiry and her legal practice, underscoring that her integrity remains intact and will continue to be defended throughout this process.
The current climate surrounding Mason’s case highlights the significance of maintaining ethical standards within legal circles, especially amid politically sensitive investigations like the one involving FICAC. Stakeholders hope that this inquiry might lead to essential reforms in governance practices, ultimately enhancing transparency and public trust in Fiji’s institutions.
As this situation continues to unfold, there is a sense of cautious optimism that constructive outcomes may arise from the inquiry, potentially strengthening the foundations of ethical governance in Fiji.
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