Paphos lawyer suspended over conflict of interest and misconduct

The Disciplinary Board of Lawyers in Cyprus has suspended a Paphos-based attorney from practicing for one year and imposed an 80,000 euro fine. The disciplinary action follows the lawyer’s admission of guilt regarding serious ethical breaches, including the unauthorized withdrawal of legal proceedings, failure to secure client assets, and representing a client while under a significant conflict of interest.

The case dates back to September 2018, when the lawyer was hired to handle property disputes in the Paphos Family Court. Although a temporary order was issued in February 2019 prohibiting the transfer of a property share in Emba, the lawyer failed to register this order with the District Lands Office. This negligence, combined with other failures in representation, led to a separate court order requiring the lawyer to pay 78,000 euros in compensation to the complainant. The unanimous decision by the Disciplinary Board serves as a firm reinforcement of the professional standards and legal requirements governing the conduct of lawyers within the jurisdiction.