Chris Comeskey ends court career

COLOURFUL CAREER: Chris Comeskey.

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Disgraced criminal lawyer Chris Comeskey says he will not return to court work after his nine-month suspension for misconduct is over.

The lawyer who brokered the return of priceless war medals stolen from the Army Museum in Waiouru said he would become a forensic crime consultant and undertake private investigation work.

The former detective turned lawyer, has represented several high-profile clients during his colourful career as a criminal lawyer.

They including broadcaster Paul Holmes' stepdaughter Millie Elder on drugs charges and, and Nai Yin Xue who murdered his wife at their Auckland home before abandoning their daughter Qian Xun Xue in a Melbourne railway station three years ago.

Mr Comeskey told the Weekend Herald his a 13-year career as a lawyer had been enjoyable but he was getting fed up with law.

He said it was hugely competitive, rather than collegial and people took more pleasure in someone's downfall than their rise.

He said he had not been giving legal advice during his suspension, but had good qualifications to be a crime consultant.

"I've been getting a lot of calls from clients to review disclosure files, prepare evidence briefs, to prepare the file for trial. I can't give legal advice to clients, obviously, but I've been busy."

He was suspended after admitting three misconduct charges laid by the Law Society, which wanted to have him struck off as a lawyer.

He admitted failing to act appropriately as defence counsel for a client, incorrectly billing the Legal Services Agency for the same client and also misleading the Court of Appeal.

- NZPA