News
Improving access to civil justice by modernising New Zealand’s costs regime
The Law Society has recently made a submission to the Rules Committee which is considering changes to the costs rules that apply to litigants-in-person in the District and High Courts.
Major Steven James Taylor, AE
Stephen James Taylor had a distinguished 46 year career at the bar that reflected his combined love of the armed services and the law.
High Court dismisses lawyer’s appeal against suspension from practice
The High Court has dismissed Rodney James Hooker’s appeal against a decision by the Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal to suspend him from practice for three months.
Mr Hooker’s suspension will begin on 19 December 2020. He will not be able to provide legal services for the three months directly after...
Andrew Simpson struck off the roll of Barristers and Solicitors
The New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal (administered by the Ministry of Justice) has ordered the striking off of Andrew Neill Simpson from the roll of barristers and solicitors of the High Court on 10 November 2020. The order means Mr Simpson can no longer practice as a lawyer.
Mr...
High Court dismisses lawyer’s appeal against suspension from practice
The High Court has dismissed Rodney James Hooker’s appeal against a decision by the Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal to suspend him from practice for three months.
Mr Hooker’s suspension will begin on 19 December 2020. He will not be able to provide legal services for the three months directly after...
Andrew Simpson struck off the roll of Barristers and Solicitors
The New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal (administered by the Ministry of Justice) has ordered the striking off of Andrew Neill Simpson from the roll of barristers and solicitors of the High Court on 10 November 2020. The order means Mr Simpson can no longer practice as a lawyer.
Mr...
Brenton Rooney joins partnership at Race Douglas Burke
Brenton Rooney
Brenton Rooney has joined Chris Burke in partnership at Race Douglas Burke.
He is joining the firm in the rural and commercial property spaces. Brenton brings significant experience in general property and trust law and has specific expertise in advising rural clients on succession and high value transactions.
Cooney Lees Morgan promotions
Cooney Lees Morgan and Partners announced promotions for five team members this year.
Victoria Brewer and Chad Wallace are now Senior Associates. Katie Kendrick has become a Senior Solicitor, Margaret Cannon is promoted to Associate – Registered Legal Executive, and Jody Renwick is confirmed as a Knowledge Manager.
Historic Membership to Law Society Council
The New Zealand Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa is delighted to welcome Te Hunga Rōia Māori o Aotearoa and the Pacific Lawyers Association as permanent members of our Council.
At a meeting in Wellington on Thursday 15 October the Law Society’s Constitution was amended by Council members to...
Law Society response to media criticism of regulatory system
This week a number of media stories have been published about the legal profession, criminal convictions, the complaints and disciplinary system, and the practising certificate process that have contained misleading or incorrect information.
The Law Society would like to provide clarity on the co-regulatory model in place to consider complaints and...
From the Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture
Welcome to the first quarterly edition of LawTalk for 2020. We’re really pleased to be back in print after nearly six months of digital only. Thank you for your patience over the past few months as we’ve navigated the impacts of covid.
The decision to move away from publishing 11 times...
Will-making: a cornerstone of New Zealand legal services
By Jamie Dobson
New Zealand’s first Wills Act migrated from the United Kingdom with its early settlers. Enacted in 1837, it became part of the governing legislature of the original dominion. The first real makeover of the Wills Act came some 160 years later, after a review of succession law was...