Senior Barrister Janet Mason is expected to face a three-month suspension from practicing law due to disciplinary actions related to her failure to complete a required civil litigation course. This decision has arisen from proceedings by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal.
Mason is currently involved in the Commission of Inquiry (COI) investigating the appointment process of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). The inquiry seeks to ensure that the appointment adhered to standards of integrity, fairness, and transparency.
During a recent tribunal hearing, which Mason attended remotely from Fiji, she alleged that the disciplinary actions were an attempt to remove her from the inquiry. Despite the challenges she faces, including a three-month suspension set to begin in April and her obligation to cover the costs linked to the disciplinary complaint, Mason has reaffirmed her commitment to her role in the inquiry.
Initially, the tribunal considered postponing any penalties until after the COI’s report is published in April; however, it ultimately decided on the immediate suspension. Mason has initiated an appeal against the tribunal’s decision, contesting the ruling on misconduct and raising concerns about possible bias and unfair treatment during the proceedings. She claims her prior failures to complete the mandated course were a result of prioritizing client work and urgent case needs.
In light of these events, the Fiji Law Society has recommended Mason consider stepping aside temporarily from her role in the inquiry, in order to preserve public confidence in its integrity. This recommendation comes after scrutiny over her disciplinary history and her application for a practicing certificate in Fiji, which has prompted serious questions regarding the handling of her case.
Mason continues to stress her commitment to both the inquiry and her legal practice, asserting that her integrity is intact and will be defended throughout the ongoing process. The situation surrounding her case underscores the importance of ethical standards within the legal profession, particularly in politically sensitive investigations like that of FICAC.
There remains cautious optimism that the outcomes of this inquiry could lead to important governance reforms, thereby enhancing transparency and public trust in Fiji’s institutions. Stakeholders hope that this situation may ultimately contribute to stronger ethical governance within the country’s legal framework.
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