29 Nov 2010

Lawyer in Samoa faces two year suspension for misconduct

8:38 am on 29 November 2010

Samoa's Law Society Tribunal has decided to suspend for two years one of its members, Tuala Joe Ponifasio, for dishonest conduct.

A tribunal hearing found Mr Ponifasio guilty of two out four charges under the law society's code of conduct after a New Zealand based client, Tahi Pacific has filed a complaint to the society relating to his failure to keep more than US$3,000 in a trust fund account.

The tribunal was heard the money was fully paid back after ten months.

But the decision to suspend the lawyer means he can not practice as a barrister and solicitor for the next two years.