Lawyer withdraws application to practice again

Photo / File

One of Hawkes Bay's longest practicing lawyers has withdrawn his application to practice again while he faces an investigation.

Gerald McKay was suspended from practicing law in June, 2010, after allegations over irregularities with his law firm's trust account.

The lawyer, with 42 years experience, appeared briefly before a three member panel of the Lawyers and Conveyances Disciplinary Tribunal at the Auckland District Court this morning.

Mr McKay had been asking the Tribunal to let him practice again as a lawyer.

The application was opposed by the Law Society.

However, Mr McKay's lawyer, Russell Fairbrother asked to withdraw the application.

Mr McKay - who specialised in property, financial and estate matters - could face a bill for the costs of the Tribunal sitting.

As he left court, he said he had no comment to make about the proceedings.

The disciplinary tribunal proceedings have been put on hold, but the reason for that is suppressed.

Mr McKay started his career working for the long-established firm Dowling and Co after graduating from Victoria University.

In 1985, he and another barrister started their own law firm.

The Law Society has previously assured Mr McKay's clients that their account funds were secure.