MEDIA RELEASE – For immediate use, 12 November 2013

Gary Edward Sawyer suspended from legal practice

The New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal has suspended Gary Edward Sawyer from legal practice for a period of 36 months from 11 November 2013.

Mr Sawyer pleaded guilty to two charges of misconduct and was found guilty of a third charge of negligence of such a degree as to bring the legal profession into disrepute.

Two of the New Zealand Law Society’s standards committees brought the charges.

One of the misconduct charges related to forging the signatures of his clients on water permit transfer documents.

On a separate matter he was negligent in advising his clients about the proposed sale of a commercial property, including failing to advise on the need for personal guarantees. The other misconduct charge arose when he created false file notes to try and cover up his negligence in the same property transaction.

The President of the New Zealand Law Society, Chris Moore, said each of the “very serious” charges initially arose because Mr Sawyer chose to take on work outside his areas of expertise.

“The tribunal said it had decided by a very fine margin not to strike Mr Sawyer off. It is crucial that anyone who uses a lawyer is able to expect a high degree of skill and competence in whatever field of law is involved,” Mr Moore said.

“The legal profession must meet high standards and it is essential that lawyers ensure they are able to meet those standards.”

ENDS

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