Wellington barrister Quentin Duff has been censured by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal after admitting a charge of unsatisfactory conduct.

Mr Duff was also ordered to pay the New Zealand Law Society costs of $5,000 and to reimburse hearing costs of $2,011.

The charge arose after Mr Duff completed an application for a practising certificate and declared that he had not been a director of a company that had been put into liquidation. The declaration was incorrect as Mr Duff had been a director of three companies which had been put into liquidation.

The Tribunal accepted that he had not acted dishonestly, but said it regarded the matter as serious and worthy of censure.

"Each year when renewing their practising certificate all lawyers are required to complete a declaration that no matter has arisen that might affect their fitness to practise as a lawyer," New Zealand Law Society President Chris Moore says.

"It is, of course, essential that the declaration be correct. While a lawyer may mistakenly make an incorrect declaration, high standards of accuracy and care are required of all lawyers. The declaration of fitness to practise is a very important action."

Email: