Find a lawyer
Check the register of lawyers
Some legal work can be done only by lawyers, while other work of a legal nature may be done by lawyers or non-lawyers. Lawyers must have a practising certificate issued by the New Zealand Law Society. You can call the NZLS on (04) 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 looking up the NZLS register of lawyers online.Find 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.
If you don't have a lawyer:
- Ask friends or relatives to recommend one to you
- Look in the Yellow Pages under 'Lawyers' or 'barristers and solicitors'
- Ask at a Citizens' Advice Bureau or community law office
- Contact your local branch of the New Zealand Law Society
- Check these websites:
-
- for members of the NZLS family law section: www.familylaw.org.nz
- for members of the NZLS property law section: www.propertylawyers.org.nz
- to find a lawyer in Auckland or nationwide: www.adls.org.nz/about-adls/advanced-lawyer-search
- to find a member of the Otago branch: www.odls.org.nz
- to find a legal aid lawyer: www.lsa.govt.nz/search