Choose a lawyer

Lawyers deal with many personal, family, business and property matters and transactions. No one else has the training and experience to advise you on matters relating to the law. If your lawyer can’t help you with a particular matter, he or she will refer you to another specialist. Seeing a lawyer before a problem gets too big can save you anxiety and money.

Like other professional people, your lawyer charges for time, experience and skill in looking after your affairs. Ask at the beginning about the likely cost or tell your lawyer that you don’t want to spend more than a certain sum without the lawyer checking with you. If you are on a low income and there is the possibility of court proceedings, ask whether you might qualify for legal aid.

Choose your own lawyer for independent advice. You do not have to use the same lawyer as your partner or anyone else involved in the same legal matter. In fact, sometimes you must each get independent legal advice. Your lawyer should act for you.

Seeing a lawyer – what can you expect?

Lawyers must follow certain standards of professional behaviour. These are set out in the Rules of Conduct and Client Care, and came into effect with the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006.

Under these rules, you can expect that, whatever legal services your lawyer is providing, he or she must:

  • act competently, in a timely way, and in accordance with any arrangements made
  • protect and promote your interests and act for you free from compromising influences or loyalties
  • discuss with you your objectives and how they should best be achieved
  • provide you with information about the work to be done, who will do it and the way the services will be provided
  • charge you a fee that is fair and reasonable and let you know when you will be billed
  • give you clear information and advice
  • protect your privacy and ensure appropriate confidentiality
  • treat you fairly, respectfully and without discrimination
  • keep you informed about the work being done and advise you when it is completed
  • let you know how to make a complaint and deal with any complaint promptly and fairly.

Pamphlet

More information about what you can expect from your lawyer is available in the pamphlet, Seeing a lawyer. 

Search for a lawyer

The New Zealand Law Society has a number of online services which enable members of the public to search for lawyers in private practice who hold current practising certificates.

Check the Register of Lawyers

Lawyers must have a practising certificate issued by the New Zealand Law Society. You can call the the Society on +64 4 472 7837 or email registry@lawsociety.org.nz to see if the person you plan to consult holds a current practising certificate. You can also check this by searching the Society's Register of Lawyers online.

© New Zealand Law Society 2008