MEDIA RELEASE – For immediate use, 14 May 2013.

Hugh Edward Staples Hamilton struck off

The New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal has ordered that Hugh Edward Staples Hamilton be struck off the roll of barristers and solicitors.

Mr Hamilton has not held a legal practising certificate from mid-2011 and has therefore not practised as a lawyer since.

The New Zealand Law Society had brought charges of misconduct against Mr Hamilton. In admitting the charges Mr Hamilton accepted that he had intentionally and dishonestly deceived a client about the recipient and intended use of $62,000 advanced by that client.

Contrary to what Mr Hamilton had led his client to believe, the funds were used by Mr Hamilton to pay off debts owed by a company of which Mr Hamilton was the sole director.

At the hearing in Hastings on 13 May, the tribunal made formal orders striking Mr Hamilton off the roll and ordering compensation of $20,000. Costs were reserved, as were the full reasons of the tribunal for the orders made.

Law Society President Chris Moore says it has been made clear in recent tribunal and High Court decisions that the name of a lawyer or former lawyer will be struck off the roll where the tribunal is satisfied that by reason of their conduct they are not a fit and proper person to be a legal practitioner.

“Everyone who is, or who is eligible to be, a practising lawyer must meet certain standards of conduct. These standards are high. There are few other professions or occupations where there is legislation prescribing the way in which a member must act in relation to clients and others,” he says.

“The number of lawyers who are struck off in New Zealand each year is low. However, the Law Society won’t hesitate to investigate and take action if necessary if it believes there is an issue with the conduct of a lawyer or a former lawyer.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media