High Court upholds misconduct finding, but reduces suspension to one month

The High Court has dismissed Janet Mason’s appeal against liability but partially allowed the penalty appeal and reduced the period of suspension from three months to one month.

Law Society releases a practice briefing on tikanga Māori

The Law Society releases a practice briefing on the relationship between tikanga Māori and the Rules of Conduct and Client Care  

Law Society report warns of erosion in rule of law and calls for sustained action

A landmark report released by the New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa highlights the ongoing and emerging challenges that are impacting trust and confidence in the rule of law in New Zealand.

2025/26 practising fees and membership subscription

As we draw closer to the commencement of a new practising year, we would like to thank you for your commitment and dedication to the legal profession and the people we serve together.   We are aware of the cost increases that legal practices are facing. Likewise, we are faced with increased…

Benjamin Wong suspended from practice on an interim basis

The Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal (the Tribunal) has suspended Hamilton lawyer Benjamin Wong (Mr Wong) from practice on an interim basis from 14 February 2025.

Frazer Barton returning as President of the Law Society

Frazer Barton is returning to the role of President of the New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa.

Law Society’s annual report released

The Law Society’s annual report to the Minister of Justice for the year to 30 June 2024 has been tabled in Parliament and is available. Read the Annual Report 2023/24. The key take aways are:  17,009 practising certificate holders  1,231 complaints opened  1,123 complaints closed  28 Disciplinary Tribunal decisions   Two lawyers struck off  Over10,000 lawyers retained their membership  More…

Aaron Rodney Nicholls struck off for misappropriating client funds

The New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal (the Tribunal) has struck off former Auckland lawyer Aaron Rodney Nicholls (Mr Nicholls) after he admitted misappropriating $700,000 of trust account funds and providing false statements to conceal his wrongdoing. Mr Nicholls had been suspended on an interim basis since 17 April…

New research underlines concerns for lawyer mental health

The Law Society is concerned about new research published this week showing that New Zealand lawyers and law students have higher levels of depression, anxiety and psychological distress than international counterparts and other professions across the board.   The study surveyed nearly 800 New Zealand lawyers and law students over three years, and…

Gender Equality Charter Survey shows progress

The New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa 2023 Gender Equality Charter (GEC) survey results show that progress is being made in several key areas but there is more work to do.