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Law Society statements

Gang (Richard) Chen struck off roll

Gang (Richard) Chen has been struck off the roll of barristers and solicitors by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal. The tribunal found one charge under section 241(d) of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006 to be proven, in that Mr Chen had been found guilty of an offence…

Law Society totally opposes new Brunei laws

The Brunei authorities are strongly urged to reconsider their decision to implement a new penal code from Wednesday 3 April, the New Zealand Law Society says. The new code imposes the death penalty for a number of offences, including death by stoning for adultery and gay sex. Public flogging is also…
New Zealand Law Society appoints new Executive Director

New Zealand Law Society appoints new Executive Director

The New Zealand Law Society has appointed Helen Morgan-Banda as its new Executive Director, Law Society President Kathryn Beck announced today. Ms Beck said the appointment followed a rigorous recruitment process undertaken to replace the Law Society’s previous Executive Director, Christine Grice, who was appointed a Justice of the High Court…

Three lawyers suspended from legal practice

Three lawyers have been suspended from legal practice for periods ranging from three months to 12 months. The suspensions follow three separate sets of proceedings. “These suspensions all result from lawyers transgressing the rules which are in place to protect consumers. Very high standards of conduct and practice are set for the…

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Law Society provides information on high profile trial management

The New Zealand Law Society has released background information on how a high profile trial for serious offences would normally be managed in a courtroom. This follows a number of inquiries by local and foreign media in relation to the expected trial of the man accused of carrying out the Christchurch…

Canterbury lawyers leading nationwide drive to offer pro bono services to families affected by terrorist attack

Canterbury lawyers have responded to the horrific terrorist attacks on the Christchurch Muslim community by calling for lawyers to offer pro bono services to families affected. The Canterbury Westland Branch of the New Zealand Law Society says a list of firms and lawyers will be provided to Community Law Canterbury for…

Law Society President's message to NZ lawyers

New Zealand Law Society President Kathryn Beck has sent a message to New Zealand's lawyers following the attacks on Christchurch mosques. Ms Beck's message is as follows: Kia ora koutou, As a community, we all share a sense of horror and disbelief at the events that unfolded in Christchurch on Friday.  As a profession,…

Specialist lawyers standards committee for fee-related complaints

A standards committee specialising in fee-related complaints has been granted permanent status by the Board of the New Zealand Law Society. Standards committees are independent statutory committees that determine complaints against lawyers under the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006. Committees are made up of experienced lawyers and members of the public.…

Law Society appoints independent Board member

Christchurch-based social entrepreneur Jason Pemberton has joined the New Zealand Law Society’s Board. It is the first time that someone from outside the legal profession has been actively involved in helping set the Law Society’s direction. To meet the requirements of the Law Society’s constitution, Mr Pemberton’s status is an independent…

Law Society outlines ways to reduce Family Court delays

A significant reduction in delay in the Family Court could be achieved by implementing a number of measures, the New Zealand Law Society says. Details of the measures are provided by the Law Society in additional feedback to the Independent Panel examining the impact of the 2014 family justice reforms. The Law…

New Zealand lawyer numbers continue to grow

The number of New Zealand lawyers continues to grow, with over 14,000 lawyers now holding practising certificates issued by the New Zealand Law Society. The Law Society has released its annual Snapshot of the Profession, providing information on lawyers at 1 February 2019. It shows that New Zealand has one lawyer for…

International Women’s Day ideal time to create better workplace balance with Law Society initiative

The New Zealand Law Society says International Women’s Day is the perfect time for workplaces to show their commitment to equality and sign up to the Gender Equality Charter. Friday 8 March is International Women’s Day. The theme is #BalanceforBetter – in other words, treating gender balance as a business issue,…

Preservation of fair trial process essential when assessing victim rights

Moves to improve victims’ experience of the criminal justice process must always come in the context of ensuring a fair trial process for anyone charged with a crime, New Zealand Law Society Criminal Committee convenor Steve Bonnar QC says. Commenting on the release by Chief Victims Adviser Kim McGregor of the…

Property matters biggest source of complaints against lawyers

Matters related to property law were the biggest source of complaints lodged with the Law Society's Lawyers Complaints Service in the year to 30 June 2018. The latest Annual Report of the New Zealand Law Society has been tabled in Parliament. It shows that property matters made up 18.1% of complaints,…
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