High-profile Auckland lawyer Charl Hirschfeld appeared before his profession's disciplinary body today for allegedly charging for his services even though he didn't show up at hearings.
Hirschfeld is accused of dishonourable or disgraceful conduct and is facing 12 charges before the Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal in Auckland.
The charges,laid by the Wellington Standards Committee of the New Zealand Law Society, relate to nearly $30,000 he billed the Legal Services Agency.
It is alleged he got another lawyer to appear at various hearings but applied for, and was paid, legal aid.
He allegedly did not ensure that those he engaged to provide legal services were listed providers.
It is also alleged he charged for ``hearing time'' when there was no hearing that day.
Hirschfeld has represented former lawyer Davina Murray and alleged victims of the 2007 Urewera terror raids.
Today, the tribunal heard legal arguments as the Wellington Standards Committee sought to introduce amendments to the charges, which were opposed by Hirschfeld's lawyer, Rodney Harrison QC.
The tribunal, chaired by Judge Dale Clarkson, is expected to announce whether the amendments can be introduced tomorrow morning.
