Allegations over taking loans from clients, against Dunedin lawyer John Milne, are likely to be heard by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal within the next two to three months.
The tribunal's findings will be released publicly.
There is a 30-day appeal period open to Mr Milne to challenge the decision of the Otago branch standards committee of the New Zealand Law Society this week, which that it will file charges against Mr Milne in the higher disciplinary tribunal, rather than proceed with its own hearing.
There is also the possibility the tribunal hearing could be delayed, given the Serious Fraud Office launched a separate investigation into Mr Milne this week.
Sources close to recent investigations allege up to $2 million in clients' funds might be involved, but the agencies and organisations involved have declined to confirm the claim.
Mr Milne, whose practice was purchased by Dunedin law firm Craig Paddon Law five years ago, later worked for that firm in Christchurch, but ceased employment recently. He no longer has a practising certificate.
The Serious Fraud Office yesterday said after a complaint to it by the Otago Law Society branch it had "determined that there are reasonable grounds to believe that an offence involving serious or complex fraud may have been committed by Mr Milne". It was investigating.
Wellington-based Law Society general manager (regulatory) Mary Ollivier said during the 30-day period for an appeal - which would have to be made to the Ministry of Justice - the Law Society would gather evidence and formulate charges, and would itself provide legal counsel to prosecute Mr Milne before the disciplinary tribunal.
Appeals and other investigations aside, she said the disciplinary tribunal was "usually prompt" at setting down hearing times, which could be towards the end of September. Tribunal hearings are open to the public and its decisions made public.
The SFO, along with the Law Society's Otago branch, are appealing to any people not known to them, who might have loaned Mr Milne money, to contact them.
