Order not to employ Sarah Buschman

The New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal has made an order that no legal practitioner or incorporated firm employ Sarah Buschman in connection with the practitioner's or incorporated firm's practice. The order is made pursuant to section 242(1)(h)(ii) of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006, for so long as the…

Nola Kay Dangen suspended for two months

The New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal has suspended Auckland lawyer Nola Kay Dangen from practice for two months from 23 September 2019. This follows admission by Ms Dangen of a charge of negligence in relation to her conduct as a property manager and welfare guardian for an elderly woman.…

Practice Briefing outlines confidential electoral roll process

With the 2019 local authority elections approaching, the New Zealand Law Society has updated its Practice Briefing on the confidential unpublished electoral roll. Section 82 of the Electoral Act 1993 requires anyone who is qualified to be registered as an elector to register. Details of electors are compiled to create rolls…

Arlan Arman suspended from practice

Auckland lawyer Arlan Arman has been suspended from legal practice for 10 months from 11 June 2019 by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal. Mr Arman had pleaded guilty to one charge of misconduct. The Tribunal has also ordered that he not practise on his own account until it…

Chief Judge Jan-Marie Doogue's leadership recognised

The appointment of Chief District Court Judge Jan-Marie Doogue to the High Court bench will mark the end of eight years of strong and committed leadership of New Zealand's largest court, the New Zealand Law Society says. "Her appointment is a fitting recognition of her judicial strengths. It is important to…

Law Society releases AML/CFT annual reporting guidance

The New Zealand Law Society has issued a new Practice Briefing on the annual reporting requirements for law firms which are reporting entities under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Funding of Terrorism Act 2009. The first annual report by law firms which are reporting entities is due to be submitted to…

Law Society not behind request for multiple email addresses

The New Zealand Law Society says it does not contact law firms or legal workplaces by phone to request email details for people working there. The Law Society has been advised of phone contact with a law firm by someone purporting to be from the Law Society. The caller unsuccessfully requested…

Wellington barrister and solicitor, loses appeal, suspended over historic charges

A Wellington barrister and solicitor has lost his Court of Appeal challenge to a 2017 disciplinary decision and will be suspended from practising law from 1 July. Peter James Morahan challenged a decision by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal to suspend him from practice for four months from…

High Court dismisses appeal by lawyer struck off in 2018

The High Court has dismissed an appeal by former Auckland lawyer Brian Robert Ellis. The New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal had found Mr Ellis guilty of misconduct and ordered him struck off the roll of barristers and solicitors in November 2018. That came after he had been censured and suspended…

Law Society urges adoption of all recommendations for changes to family justice system

The New Zealand Law Society would urge the Government to adopt all 70 recommendations for change to the family justice system. The Independent Panel considering the 2014 family justice reforms has released its findings to the Minister of Justice. “We strongly believe that if the government adopts the recommendations as a package,…