Re Ozan Girgin a Lawyer

Re Ozan Girgin, a lawyer (full title Re Legal Profession Act 2004; re Ozan Girgin, a lawyer VSC 520) is a leading common law case concerning the requirements of full and frank disclosure when applying to be admitted in common law jurisdictions.

Ozan Girgin a former Melbourne lawyer, was struck off the Roll of the Supreme Court of Victoria by orders of Chief Justice Marilyn Warren, Justice of Appeal Nettle and Justice Mandie, sitting en banc in the Supreme Court of Victoria: see Re Legal Profession Act 2004; re Ozan Girgin, a lawyer VSC 520.

Girgin and a friend had been disciplined whilst students at Victoria University for similarities between their work. Despite warnings that this should be disclosed to the Board of Examiners, Girgin failed to do so, and was admitted to practice without incident. Girgin's friend, however, did disclose the matter, which initiated investigations by the Board of Examiners, who then discovered that Girgin had failed to disclose the matter. The Board of Examiners referred the matter to the Court. Girgin's subsequent attempts to avoid negative consequences drew more criticism from the Court, and Girgin was struck off the Supreme Court Roll, even though his conduct for the months in which he had been practicing was free of misconduct.

The case is important because it is the only reported case where a lawyer has been struck off the roll for failing to disclose a non-criminal matter.

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