PHOTO: Lawyer Murray Tingey, pictured in 2009. HO TRAN/SUPPLIED
A top insolvency lawyer who recently faced a misconduct trial was found guilty for his actions towards a fellow lawyer with whom he had a secret relationship. Murray Tingey appeared before the Lawyers and Conveyers Disciplinary Tribunal in Auckland, and his lawyer argued against a suspension, which was being sought by the National Standards Committee, stating that Tingey had changed significantly since the incidents that occurred over a decade ago.
Kaley Cuoco hopes to go out with a big bang on mansion flip | WATCH
Tingey had been a partner at Bell Gully but resigned in 2016 after serving 24 years at the firm. The victim, who had been employed as a solicitor at Bell Gully from 2004 to 2008, submitted a victim impact statement to the tribunal, revealing that Tingey’s behavior had caused her long-lasting anxiety and affected her sense of personal safety for several years. Her identity was protected through interim suppression orders.
Maria Dew, acting on behalf of the National Standards Committee, urged the tribunal to impose a suspension penalty lasting between 6 and 9 months due to the seriousness of the misconduct. Dew acknowledged that Tingey had accepted responsibility and apologized for his actions and that he had a good professional reputation in the insolvency jurisdiction.
In contrast, Tingey’s lawyer, Grant Illingworth, argued that a suspension would be excessively severe and could end Tingey’s career, as he had already suffered work losses due to the publication of the misconduct. Illingworth highlighted that there was an extraordinary delay in the complaint being made and emphasized that Tingey had made significant efforts to rehabilitate himself both professionally and personally.
The misconduct incidents took place in 2009 when Tingey became jealous and distressed after learning that the woman was going on another date. He exhibited demanding and controlling behavior, preventing her from leaving the office and even blocking her office door physically. On another occasion, Tingey admitted to breaking into the woman’s Ponsonby apartment, where he broke down the door, grabbed her, and caused significant distress.
In light of the trial, a censure and a fine were deemed appropriate by Tingey’s lawyer, considering the severe financial consequences he would likely face if he were suspended.
Who are the ‘MOVERS AND SHAKERS’ of the NZ real estate industry? BUY NOW $19.99
SOURCE: STUFF