Lianne Dalziel

Wellington, Nov 27 NZPA - The Legal Aid Review findings on corrupt lawyers exploiting the system for personal gain are disappointing, Labour's justice spokeswoman Lianne Dalziel said today.

Dame Margaret Bazley, who headed the independent review released this morning, said there could be as many as 200 corrupt lawyers in the system and they should be disbarred.

"I think it's disappointing that it has identified corruption within the legal profession -- a very narrow group, I'd have to say, within the profession itself," Ms Dalziel said.

"But the fact that number of people can get away with it essentially suggests systemic failure in the oversight of the legal aid system."

The review report said the Legal Services Agency has not been successful in holding lawyers accountable for their performance and the report's 86 recommendations included folding the agency into the Ministry of Justice.

Justice Minister Simon Power, who initiated the review, said the report was deeply concerning and the Government would act swiftly to implement the structural changes suggested.

Ms Dalziel said if the Government would like to work collaboratively with the Labour party, she would be happy to be involved in the process.