A well known former Hawke's Bay lawyer has been struck off by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal.
Catherine Marjorie Clarkson, formerly of Hastings and now of Wellington, was found guilty by the Tribunal of two charges of misconduct. One was for failing to account for money she had received as grazing fees. The other charge was for "misconducting herself" during hearings in the Mori Land Court.
In striking Ms Clarkson off the roll, the tribunal noted the seriousness of the charges, her "disciplinary history" and that rehabilitative measures in the past had been unsuccessful.
She was ordered to pay costs of $35,000 to the Law Society and to reimburse it for the costs of the hearing.
New Zealand Law Society President Chris Moore said it was a great disappointment to New Zealand's legal profession when a lawyer was struck off.
"Few lawyers are struck off, but when they are it is a reminder to all lawyers that their profession is one where very high standards of integrity and behaviour are required."