Former judge loses law practice bid

Former district court judge Michael Guest has lost his bid to be allowed to resume practise as a lawyer.

Mr Guest was struck off the barristers' and solicitors' roll after being found guilty of professional misconduct in 2001 for lying to a client and for taking $25,000 more of her funds for costs than he was entitled to.

He was reinstated to the roll last year but was refused a practising certificate by the New Zealand Law Society.

The Otago Daily Times reported today that the Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal yesterday upheld the Law Society's decision after an appeal by Mr Guest, a Dunedin City Councillor.

The grounds for the decision and details of the appeal and the evidence presented were all suppressed pending further submissions.

Mr Guest said he was disappointed with the decision but he could not comment further while the process continued.

Asked if he intended to appeal, he said he had "two or three weeks up my sleeve for that".

- NZPA