After illegal favour for flatmate, lawyer turns against him and helps other tenants in feud

Wellington Lawyer Censured and Fined After Acting for Flatmates

A junior Wellington barrister and solicitor, Mohammad Shahzad, has been formally censured and fined $12,000 after providing legal assistance to his flatmates outside his official employment. The case revealed that Shahzad engaged in unapproved after-hours legal work, breaching professional conduct rules.

Unauthorised Legal Work

The Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal heard that Shahzad represented his flatmate in a tenancy-related dispute, despite being employed by a law firm that prohibited outside legal activity without approval. Instead of gaining authorization, he performed the work privately, creating a conflict of interest and acting without his employer’s knowledge.

Conflict Between Flatmates

The dispute escalated when Shahzad later acted for other tenants against his original flatmate. This behavior drew attention to ethical concerns about loyalty and confidentiality between clients with opposing interests.

The tribunal found his actions unprofessional, concluding that while Shahzad did not seek personal gain, he failed to maintain necessary distance and objectivity in the matter.

Tribunal’s Decision

The disciplinary panel censured him and imposed a $12,000 fine. They emphasized that trust, transparency, and adherence to professional guidelines are critical for lawyers, even when dealing with personal acquaintances.

“Lawyers must avoid situations where personal relationships interfere with their professional duties,” the tribunal stated.

The decision serves as a warning to young lawyers against taking legal work outside authorized practice or representing individuals in personal disputes.

Author Summary: A Wellington lawyer was fined and censured for unapproved side legal work that created conflicts of interest between his flatmates and clients.

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NZ Herald NZ Herald — 2025-11-28

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