Statement on John David Milne

MEDIA RELEASE – For immediate use, 24 July 2012

Statement on John David Milne by the New Zealand Law Society

On 24 July 2012 the Law Society’s Otago Lawyers Standards Committee conducted a hearing into two complaints against Mr John Milne. Mr Milne practised on his own account in Dunedin for many years, but since 2008 had been employed by Craig Paddon Law, managing the firm’s Christchurch branch known as Harewood Law. Mr Milne is no longer employed by Craig Paddon Law, and has handed in his practising certificate to the Law Society.

All complaints related to Mr Milne’s dealings with funds his clients had placed with him for investment. The Otago Standards Committee has determined that the complaints be considered by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal. The complaints have also been referred to the Serious Fraud Office.

The Convenor of the Otago Standards Committee, Mr David More, said that the Committee was taking the unusual step of publicising its decision at this stage for two reasons:

• Mr Milne’s name and the fact that complaints against him were being investigated, was already in the public domain.

• More importantly, the Standards Committee was not sure whether all persons who placed money with Mr Milne for investment had been identified.

“If any persons have placed money with Mr Milne for investment, and have not been written to by the Law Society, would they please contact Mrs Nicky Hay at the Otago Branch of the Law Society by telephone (03) 477 0596 or by email to nicky.hay@lawsociety.org.nz,” he said.

ENDS

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