James Gardner-Hopkins allowed to return to legal practice

Tuesday 16 December 2025 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated Tue 16 Dec 2025, 11:58am

In this story New Zealand Law Society, Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal, Russell McVeagh

Former Russell McVeagh partner James Gardner-Hopkins has been granted a new practising certificate. He was previously suspended for three years following sexually inappropriate behaviour towards law students. The Law Society has now ruled that he is a fit and proper person to practise law.

How they headlined it

11:24am11:58am

1. StuffTue 16 Dec 2025, 11:24am

   Disgraced lawyer James Gardner-Hopkins allowed to practise again (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldTue 16 Dec 2025, 11:58am

   Former Russell McVeagh lawyer James Gardner-Hopkins granted new practising certificate, returning to profession (opens in new tab)