Cyclone Gabrielle information and updates for the profession are available here.
The Independent Review Panel's report is now available. More information.
It will usually save you anxiety and money in the long run.
If you don't, you could find out – to your cost – that the words don't mean what you thought they did.
If a lawyer has to drop other work to help you at short notice, it may mean you pay more. It is best to give your lawyer as much notice as possible.
Always supply any relevant legal documents, letters, accounts, receipts and other papers to your lawyer. Put the documents in a logical order.
Among other things, your lawyer's charges will reflect the amount of time spent looking after your affairs. If you take up the lawyer's time unnecessarily, you are wasting your money. Before you visit your lawyer, sort out everything you want to discuss.
Although you need to keep your lawyer fully informed, do remember that your lawyer may charge for his or her time, including time spent on the phone or emailing.