The New Zealand Law Society Practice Approval Committees were established by the Law Society Council and Board under the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act (Lawyers) Constitution 2008 to consider and determine “non-standard” applications relating to the practice of law. 

The types of applications considered and determined by the Committees are set out in the attached Terms of Reference. 

A Lay Member must: 

In addition to being of good character and fit and proper, applicants must have the skill and judgement required to deal with contentious and sometimes complex issues. Protecting consumers of legal services and maintaining public confidence in the provision of legal services are key purposes of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006 which is one reason why it is important to have a perspective from outside of the legal profession. 

Lay Members are people of proven integrity and good standing in their communities and will have an established record of achievement and responsibility in their personal and professional lives. 

Expressions of interest for appointment as a Lay Member should address these matters and be accompanied by a full CV and any other relevant supporting material applicants wish to submit. A Lay Member position description and expression of interest form accompany this document. 

Persons enrolled as barristers and solicitors, or as registered conveyancers, are not eligible for appointment as a Lay Member. 

If you wish to be considered for appointment as a Lay member of a Practice Approval Committee, and you meet these requirements, please complete the application form and Criminal Conviction History form, supplemented by your full CV, and any additional supporting documentation you wish to provide, and submit it to the Practice Approval Committee Secretary:

The closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday 28 May 2025, 5pm.