Event and Time
Event Description
- Case Involved: Disciplinary proceedings against Mehrdad Jafari, a former solicitor.
- Date of Admission: 2 July 1993.
- Offence: Convicted under s 131.1(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) for dishonestly appropriating property belonging to the Commonwealth.
- Period of Employment:
- Australian Government Solicitor: 1 July 1995 - 23 December 2009. - Australian Securities & Investments Commission: 11 January 2010 - 30 June 2015.
- Practising Certificate Status: No Practising Certificate since 20 June 2015.
Application and Claims
- Initial Charge: 13 January 2016 by Australian Federal Police for misappropriating $3.5 million.
- Guilty Plea: Entered on 10 May 2016.
- Sentencing: Originally sentenced to two years' imprisonment on 30 January 2017, which was later increased to three years by the Court of Criminal Appeal on 29 June 2017.
- Final Order: Removal from the roll of Australian lawyers, declaring he is not a fit and proper person to practise.
Judicial Decisions
1. Declaration that Mehrdad Jafari is not a fit and proper person to remain on the roll of Australian lawyers. 2. Removal of his name from the roll of Australian lawyers.
Dispute Points and Legal Basis
Dispute Points
- Plaintiff/Prosecutor's Argument:
- Public trust in the legal profession is paramount, emphasizing that solicitors must maintain the highest standards of honesty and integrity. - Jafari's actions exemplified significant dishonesty, including actions taken while under his professional responsibilities.
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