Comesky's $57,000 legal aid probe

Chris Comeskey. Photo / Janna Dixon

High-profile lawyer Chris Comeskey has been investigated over $57,000 in legal aid payments which could lead to police becoming involved this week.

An investigation was launched by the Legal Services Agency into 25 legal aid files after Comeskey gave evidence at a hearing considering striking him off as a lawyer.

Legal Services Agency general manager Stuart White said a complaint to police in relation to legal aid claims was among the options that were under "urgent" consideration".

Comeskey enjoyed a high profile even before he became a central figure negotiating the return of war medals stolen from the Waiouru Army Museum in December 2007.

Last week Comeskey pleaded guilty to three professional misconduct charges at the Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal.

He faces being struck off this Thursday. Comeskey refused to comment yesterday until after the hearing this week.

Comeskey admitted charging a client $3157 at the senior lawyer rate of $154 an hour for work done by a junior lawyer.

White said that Comeskey's evidence in a sworn affidavit to the tribunal led to the agency reviewing 25 legal aid files covering claims from 2008 to 2010.

He said options included suspending or cancelling Comeskey's ability to apply for legal aid or asking for the return of "any payments improperly claimed", or making a complaint to the police.