Former solicitor suspended from practising law for three years

A former Timaru solicitor has been suspended from practising law for three years, censured and ordered to pay costs of $35,378.84 to the New Zealand Law Society. Edward Oral Sullivan admitted charges in two prosecutions heard by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal, on 29 April and 13 May. The first case related to…

Logging operator fined $80K over death of employee

A Gisborne-based logging transport operator has been fined $80,000 and ordered to pay reparations of $100,000 in relation to the death of a contractor who was fatally run over during his first day on the job. James Walter Beau Thompson pleaded guilty to one charge under the Health and Safety in Employment Act for…

Man jailed for committing fraud to tune of $1.4million dollars

A financial planner who committed fraud, affecting multiple Waikato and Bay of Plenty victims, has been sentenced in the Tauranga District Court. Jonathan Graham West pleaded guilty in March to fraud charges laid by the Serious Fraud Office and was sentenced to three years' imprisonment. Mr West faced five Crimes Act charges of 'Theft by person…

Law Society supports new approach to justice sector investment

The New Zealand Law Society supports the Government's Social Investment approach to the criminal justice system, to better protect the vulnerable in our society. Justice Minister Amy Adams this week announced details of the Government initiative. Law Society President Kathryn Beck says the plan could benefit many members of New Zealand communities who often struggle to stick…

NZLS suggests amendment to draft ACC legal aid guideline

Not delaying an Accident Compensation appeal in the District Court when one party has not had their legal aid application determined is inconsistent with the principles of access to justice, the New Zealand Law Society says. The Law Society has released its comments on the Draft Guidelines to Practice and Procedure…

Lawyers to benefit from agreement on health assessment access

The New Zealand Law Society and Vitality Works New Zealand have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which will allow New Zealand's lawyers to use an online health assessment resource which has been developed by Vitality Works. The MOU has been signed by Law Society President Kathryn Beck and Vitality Works New Zealand Business Manager Clara Budd…

Angela Heather Bean censured and suspended

Former lawyer Angela Heather Bean has admitted two charges of misconduct before the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal. Ms Bean accepted a cash payment of $2,500 from a client without the knowledge or authorisation of her law firm. She took $2,000 of the $2,500 for herself and raised an invoice for the remaining $500.…

Gold bullion tax law interpretation inconsistent, NZLS says

It cannot always be assumed that people who purchase gold bullion do so for the purpose of disposal, the New Zealand Law Society says. Commenting on the Inland Revenue Department's draft Question We've Been Asked: PUB00227: Income Tax – Are proceeds from the sale of gold income? (the QWBA) the Law Society says it disagrees…

Clarity needed in land disposal income tax laws

The New Zealand Law Society has recommended that changes to income tax law relating to land acquired for disposal should be clarified. Commenting on a draft Inland Revenue Department Question We've Been Asked Income Tax – Land Acquired for a Purpose or With an Intention of Disposal the Law Society said it would be helpful…

New Zealand Law Society elects four new Vice-Presidents

The New Zealand Law Society has elected four Vice-Presidents. The Vice-Presidents are elected for a two-year term and, with the President, make up the Law Society's Board, which acts as the executive body of the Law Society. Each Vice-President represents a Law Society branch or group of branches. Tim Jones has been elected Vice-President, Auckland. He…