A lawyer who took at least $200,000 from client trust accounts has been struck off after admitting to the theft, which she says was driven by years of domestic abuse and a desperate need to escape with her children.
Speaking before the Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal, the woman—who has name suppression—described living in constant fear of her violent husband and said she used client funds for relocation costs, school fees, and basic survival.
While acknowledging she knew her actions were wrong, she expressed deep regret and has begun repaying the money.
The tribunal accepted that domestic violence had shaped her actions but found the level of theft and breach of professional standards warranted striking off and full repayment.
Image credit: Getty Images
She should be named and the money returned. So tired of name suppression protecting criminals
She should go to prison. Theft of clients’ funds and such a betrayal of trust surely merits more than just being ‘struck off’? Surely???
“She should go to prison”, along with the members of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal who look after their own criminals.
She couldnt get a loan?
Where would I be if I stole $200K? Oh that’s right I’m not in the club that’s above the law. Question …how does the law work? It seems to work for those who know how to work it
This is completely unacceptable by any standard. Claiming family voilence to get name suppression is not even close to satisfactory. It is no coincidence there is a massive downturn in all our income. To take trust money and blame the father for not providing enough in these times isn’t going to work.
At least $200,000 is grand theft that requires at minimum a prison sentence of 2 to 3 years. This belongs in the High Court and not some inhouse club made up of fellow members. I’de like to hear the views from the father at to what this women really got up to.
This nonsense disciplinary tribunal is no longer fit for purpose.
Lots of people leave their abusive partners and don’t need $200K, to do so. I would have thought too, as a lawyer she would be well paid, to start with? The one’s I’ve used, over the years, typically charge around $400 per hour. Plus of course, she can claim legally against their shared assets and funds, surely?
She could’ve gone to Womens Refuge for free, and they would get her a house asap. Plus $200k is way over the top.
I feel i have to leave a comment here, after reading the other comments:
This is why we turn to law and punishment, instead of mercy, truth and love.
This poor traumatised women not only has her mode of income taken from her, that is to provide for her children but also her ability to repay her debt.
You hard-hearted judgemental know-nothings, no wonder this country is becoming unfriendlier by the day.
You’ve all learnt to put the boot in (nicely)
Makes no sense to strike her off when she had children to support, and a debt to repay!
REINSTATE ASAP, and the Disciplinary Panel / Counsel can monitor her practice for at least a year to insure all is then above-board.
The Jewdicial System in the West is abounding with Talmudic features under Noahide Law…!