[2023] NZIACDT 21, WN v Lawlor (John Desmond Lawlor)

“Diligence and due care / professional practice requirements / Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, s442, s45, s49, s50, s51 / Code of Conduct 2014, cl1, cl24b, cl24c, cl27b / HELD / breach of cl 1 / adviser failed to fulfil client’s requests for return of documents and fee after terminating instructions / adviser either ignored requests or made false promises to communicate or fulfil requests for seven months / adviser continued to falsely advise Authority that he would refund fee / adviser’s conduct in deliberately misleading client over extended period is disgraceful / full fee should have been refunded as adviser did not file application or undertake any substantive work / breach of cl 24b & cl24c / adviser failed to make refund / breach of cl 27b / adviser failed to return client’s documents despite multiple requests to do so / complaint upheld”