Disciplinary Complaints - How to Act and Respond (CPD 1.5 hrs)

When a complaint arrives, it can be daunting for any professional.  So just what should you do when you receive notification that a professional complaint has been made against you or a practitioner you represent?  And what will the process be like?

This webinar will prepare you should the day arrive.

Event details

In-person event from 4.30pm until 6.30pm with drinks and nibbles provided

Online webinar from 5.00pm until 6.30pm

Topics that will be covered include:

The Process:

• The statutory scheme, regulations and associated practice note.
• What happens once a complaint is made?
• Own motion v complaints from clients and others.
• Is it confidential?
• Who will make the decision?
• How long does it take?
• The appointment of investigators.
• Directions to provide information.

The Response:

• The importance of engaging and engaging correctly.

The Decision:

• Confidential?
• The orders that can be made.
• Issues with penalty being determined at same time as substantive decision.

Reviews:

• LCRO v Judicial Review.

Charges

Appeals

Our presenters are Sara Cameron and Chris Morris of CM Associates.

The evening will be chaired by Garry Williams of Richmond Chambers.

		Chris Morris Chris has over 35 years’ experience as a litigation lawyer.  For many years Chris was a senior member of the panel of prosecutors called upon to prosecute serious criminal and regulatory matters on behalf of the Crown in Auckland, and elsewhere. He has considerable experience in acting for and advising professionals, including lawyers and medical practitioners, who are facing complaints-based investigation, and/or disciplinary proceedings arising from professional practice. Chris formerly conducted prosecutions in this area on behalf of the New Zealand Law Society for a number of years when these were conducted on a panel basis.
		Sara Cameron Sara Cameron has over 20 years’ experience as a litigation lawyer practising in Auckland.  She has considerable experience acting for and advising clients dealing with various regulatory agencies, including the Serious Fraud Office, Financial Markets Authority, Commerce Commission, the Customs Service, the Ministry of Primary Industries, and the Securities Commission (as it was then known). In addition, Sara has extensive experience representing lawyers facing complaints, investigations and charges laid in respect of their professional conduct. This includes representing clients during the investigative stage, in proceedings before the Legal Complaints Review Office and the Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal, and in judicial review proceedings/appeals to the High Court.
		Garry Williams is a barrister practising out of Richmond Chambers in Auckland.  He has a broad commercial litigation practice and specialises in contentious intellectual property and media law disputes.  He is a longstanding member of the NZBA’s Education Committee, which promotes the development of advocacy skills and other training relevant to the independent Bar.

What will you take away from this session?

• What to do if a complaint is made against you and what not to do.
• A full understanding of the steps involved in disciplinary complaints.
• A full understanding of the options available when responding.

Please Register to attend this helpful presentation.

This event is free and open to members of the NZBA.  Register for the in person or online event using your NZBA email login to get the member price of $0.

Please Register below, visit your Cart, and follow all steps through to Place Order.  If you have successfully registered, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to join the webinar. Please ensure you follow these to register on the Zoom platform and can therefore join on the day (or receive the recording, which will be available later).

In person attendees note:

4.30pm to 6.30pm, 7 May 2024 at Richmond Chambers.

Visitors should make their way to the General Buildings, 33 Shortland Street and proceed to Level 5.

If you have any problems, please contact us.