Legal Complaints Review Officer appointed

Justice Minister Simon Power today announced the appointment of Hanneke Bouchier as Legal Complaints Review Officer and Owen Vaughan as her deputy.

The appointments under the Lawyers and Conveyances Act 2006 are for terms of three years.

“Ms Bouchier stepped up from the deputy role and has been acting as the Legal Complaints Review Officer since the departure of Duncan Webb earlier this year,” Mr Power said.

“Ms Bouchier has a sophisticated level of knowledge of the legislation and I’m confident she will continue to effectively deal with the resolution and management of disputes.”

Owen Vaughan who has been in legal practice for 33 years and has been appointed a deputy.

“Mr Vaughan is familiar with the complaints and disputes process, having served 10 years on the Law Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal and on the Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal.

“Mr Vaughan’s experience in the complaints environment will be a tremendous asset in this demanding role.”

Background

The Legal Complaints Review Officer is responsible for independently reviewing decisions of Lawyers Standards Committees and the Conveyancers Standards Committees. These committees operate as an accessible service for the investigation and resolution of complaints about practitioners, incorporated firms, and their employees.

ENDS

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