New Zealand Law Society - Session Synopses
(Texas, USA)
Sponsor: Gallaghers Insurance
Synopsis
With the influx of AI technology in the legal field, lawyers are having to navigate the world like never before. Although AI can be a particularly useful tool, lawyers should be cautioned, as there are many ethical implications implicit in its use. This session will show many uses where AI can be useful in practice and also explore some Cons where AI is being misused by professionals or offenders wanting to manipulate evidence. Attendee will also discuss any ethical concerns and implications of using AI in practice.
Educational Objectives:
KindFrame
Sponsor: Mee & Henry
Synopsis
Some of us have had training on how to handle a difficult conversation. Far fewer of us have been taught how to work out what's actually making it difficult in the first place. And if you've misread that, no amount of communication technique will help.
This keynote takes a diagnostic approach. Drawing on Dr Nicki Macklin's research on organisational kindness and her work with the legal profession in New Zealand and Australia, it sets out six recurring patterns that sit underneath conversations that get stuck: things like avoiding the conversation altogether, the pull of power and hierarchy, choosing to be nice rather than clear, and the issue that never actually gets named. These patterns show up everywhere lawyers work, between colleagues, with clients, up and down a chain of seniority.
The shift is from script to diagnosis. Rather than a set of steps to follow, you'll leave with a way of reading what's really going on in a hard conversation, so you can respond to the real problem rather than what's showing on the surface. With reflection points throughout, you'll have the chance to recognise the patterns in conversations you're navigating right now.
Leftbank Chambers
Sponsor: Anderson Lloyd
(50 minutes | Commercial/Property)
Synopsis
Minister Penk recently announced significant amendments to the Building Act 2004 which will have wide reaching implications.
Richard will outline the change to proportionate liability between multiple defendants and the implications for building practitioners, developers, owners and future purchasers and their lawyers!
Peter will examine the time limitation factors and strategies for contractual dispute resolution mechanisms. He will also introduce the other regulatory reforms including the mandatory Home Warranty scheme and new compulsory liability insurance requirements.
Clinical & Organisational Psychologist
Sponsor: LEAP
(50 minutes | All practitioners)
Synopsis
What if the greatest advantage in legal practice isn't simply technical expertise—but understanding the human operating system through which the law is practised?
In this thought-provoking keynote, Dr Sarah Anticich introduces EF|LAW™—The Human Performance Framework for Modern Legal Practice. Drawing on psychology, neuroscience, interpersonal neurobiology and executive functioning research, the session explores how nervous system state shapes judgement, communication, negotiation, leadership and decision-making under pressure.
Moving beyond traditional conversations about wellbeing, this keynote offers a compelling new perspective on professional excellence and equips participants with practical, immediately applicable frameworks to remain thoughtful, communicate with clarity and perform at their best when it matters most.
Human First. Then Performance.
Sponsors: Eagles Eagles & Redpath, and John K Frazer Law
(50 minutes | All practitioners)
Synopsis
The session will focus on effective advocacy and expectations of lawyers appearing in the District Court, to ensure the efficient progress of criminal cases.
Sponsor: RBP Law
(50 minutes | All practitioners)
Synopsis
The issue of memory confronts legal practitioners in all facets of practice – whether in commercial disputes in the civil jurisdiction or recalling offending in the criminal jurisdiction. Memory is a key facet of the reliability of the evidence of witnesses. A feature of Judge Crosbie’s PhD study was the treatment of memory by the courts, including the reliance on memory in cases that are decades old.
The conference seminar will look at the reliance the legal system places on memory and examines some customary assumptions, questioning whether the law is in step (or needs to be) with developments in memory science. The seminar will also look at what judges, lawyers and jurors understand about memory and the accuracy of such understanding.
Barrister
Sponsor: Scholefield Law
(50 minutes | All practitioners)
Synopsis
The paper is intended to assist practitioners at all levels of experience who practice in the arbitration field or are contemplating arbitration as an alternative to court litigation.
The paper will cover a number of key issues including:
Copeland McAllister
Sponsor: Cruickshank Pryde Lawyers
(50 minutes | All practitioners)
Synopsis
Too often, businesses are taken to market and sold before employment issues are properly considered. While commercial and contractual obligations are front of mind, employer obligations are frequently overlooked - creating risk for both buyers and sellers and, in some cases, jeopardising the transaction.
The session takes a collaborative, practical approach and is aimed at helping lawyers identify key employment issues early, ask the right questions, and know what to watch for before an Agreement for Sale and Purchase is signed.
Property lawyers, commercial practitioners, and general legal practitioners of all experience levels seeking practical guidance on the employment law considerations arising in sale and purchase agreements.
Sponsor: Berry & Co
(50 minutes | All practitioners)
Synopsis
Five years after the introduction of the Trusts Act 2019, now is an ideal time to reflect on its impact and what it means for trustees, beneficiaries, and trust administration in practice. This presentation will provide an overview of why the changes were necessary, the key reforms introduced by the Act, and the ongoing obligations trustees must meet.
Drawing on practical experience as a professional trustee, the session will explore decision-making, common issues encountered since implementation, lessons learned, and the continuing value of professional trusteeship. Attendees will gain useful insights into maintaining effective, compliant, and future-ready trusts in an evolving legal and regulatory environment.
Sponsor: Onelaw
(50 minutes | All practitioners)
Synopsis
Understanding financial information is an increasingly valuable skill for lawyers advising businesses, reviewing transactions, assessing disputes, or conducting due diligence. This practical session provides a non-accountant's guide to accounting fundamentals, explaining key financial terminology and the purpose of the main financial statements.
Participants will learn how to read and interpret balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and cash flow statements, identify common financial indicators, and understand what the numbers may reveal about a client's financial position and performance. The seminar is designed to build confidence in engaging with financial information and communicating effectively with accountants, clients, and financial experts.
Sponsor: Lloyd Troon
(50 minutes | All practitioners)
Synopsis
Join our expert panel for an engaging 50-minute discussion exploring the practical operation of the Evidence Act 2006 across both the Family and Criminal jurisdictions. The session will examine key evidential issues facing practitioners, including admissibility, reliability, propensity evidence, hearsay, and the treatment of vulnerable witnesses.
Drawing on real-world experience from the courtroom, panellists will discuss emerging challenges, recent developments, and practical considerations for advocates appearing in both jurisdictions. This session offers valuable insights for practitioners seeking to strengthen their evidential approach and advocacy skills.