An appeal under s 81(1)(a) of the Legal Profession Act 2006 (ACT) against a refusal to renew a practising certificate is by way of hearing de novo, with the Court standing in the shoes of the Law Society Council. The power to refuse to renew a practising certificate is for the protection of the public, not punishment of the practitioner. A practitioner who acts contrary to client instructions, misleads the Law Society and courts, attempts to interfere with witnesses, and shows no remorse or insight into the seriousness of such conduct is not a fit and proper person to hold a practising certificate.
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