Associate membership
Associate membership of the New Zealand Law Society is designed for people who have close links to the legal profession. Only practising lawyers may be full members.
Associate membership does not carry any entitlement to practise and does not confer any benefit in terms of an immigration application.
Who may be an associate member?
The NZLS Rules for Associate Membership say:
Subject to the provisions of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act (Lawyers) Constitution 2008 any person, whether or not resident in New Zealand, claiming a significant association with the legal profession in New Zealand through:
(a) being or having been a member of the judiciary; or
(b) responsible employment or engagement (including as a legal executive):
(ii) in commerce;
(iii) in Government or public service;
(iv) by the New Zealand Council of Legal Education;
(v) as a lecturer in law at a recognised tertiary institute;
(vi) by any legal professional association or body,
...shall be eligible to become an associate member of the New Zealand Law Society.
This means that if you are:
- a retired lawyer
- an experienced legal executive, legal office manager or the like employed in any field of law
- legally qualified but not currently in practice
- a New Zealand lawyer practising overseas not holding a New Zealand practising certificate
- an overseas lawyer with significant association with the New Zealand profession
- a present or former member of the judiciary in New Zealand or elsewhere
- a lecturer in law
- anybody else claiming a significant association with the legal profession
...you may be eligible for appointment as an associate member.
Note: Lawyers who have been suspended or struck off the roll are ineligible.
How do you apply?
There are two routes to associate membership.
- Full members of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives can use a fast track route through the Institute. (Contact: NZILE, PO Box 64 232, Botany, Auckland, email enquiries@nzile.org.nz)
- For others, applications for appointment as an associate member should be made on the prescribed form.
The NZLS Board must be satisfied that the applicant is eligible according to the Rules and has a significant association with the legal profession.
The Board will retain an absolute discretion over appointments and need not give reasons for failing to appoint any nominee.
What is the cost?
The NZLS Board has set a fee of $50.00 (excl GST) for the period to 1 July 2011 to June 2012. There is an optional certificate of membership, issued annually, at a cost of $15.00 (excl GST). Full fee details are available on the payments form, which should be returned with the application form.
Full members of NZILE who are seeking associate membership through the Institute should obtain fee details from that organisation.
The benefits
Participation
Associate membership allows people who have given service to, or been closely connected with, the legal profession to participate in its work.
While they will not be eligible for appointment or election as NZLS officers or Council or Board members, associate members are eligible for appointment to special committees as the Board may decide.
Communication and information
Associate members may purchase a subscription to LawTalk, the NZLS fortnightly publication. LawTalk contains news of Law Society regulatory activities and information of direct and immediate benefit to members and associate members. It is the main advertising vehicle for the profession and is sent to all lawyers who hold practising certificates. The cost for New Zealand residents is set out in the documentation you receive with an application form.
Continuing education
NZLS CLE Limited runs an extensive continuing education programme. Each year seminars on a wide range of topics are presented at various venues throughout the country. These seminars, together with specialist workshops, are often of particular interest to people who may not be practising lawyers. If you are a NZ resident, for a small fee you can be kept informed of the programmes being presented by NZLS CLE Limited.
Library services
Library services are available at a cost of $287.50 (GST incl) per year. Associate members, like lawyers, are charged for any research, photocopying and delivery costs.
Membership of NZLS Sections
Associate members of the NZLS may join one or both of the Property Law Section and the Family Law Section. The Corporate Lawyers Association (CLANZ) is also a NZLS section.
A pdf information sheet on Associate Membership is available for printing off.