Standards Committee issues decision on lawyer who said Judge wasn't fit to sit on the bench

A Lawyers Standards Committee has decided to take no further action against a lawyer who said it was inappropriate for a District Court Judge to continue to serve on the bench. Auckland Barrister, Catriona MacLennan’s statements were the subject of an investigation following her public criticism of Judge John Brandts-Giesen. Judge Brandts-Giesen…

What should I declare at Practising Certificate renewal time?

The practising certificate renewal round is approaching with all current practising certificates lapsing on 30 June 2018. You will shortly be emailed a guide for renewal. You will already have completed your CPD declaration which was due on 31 March 2018. You will need to make a “fit and proper” declaration to…

Yipu Shi suspended from practice

Auckland legal practitioner Yipu Shi has been suspended from practice for a period of 15 months commencing 7 June 2017. Miss Shi admitted two charges of misconduct to the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal. These related to her acting for both parties in two conveyancing transactions. The Tribunal found that…

CPD Declarations and audits – 2018

The 2017-18 CPD year has now ended. Almost 99% of the profession completed a timely declaration for this period, which is a fantastic result. For those of you who have yet to complete this requirement, you can still make a declaration. What next for your CPD? Your next step is to review your…

Work continues on preventing harassment and bullying in the legal profession

Meetings held by the New Zealand Law Society with organised groups across the legal community have resulted in some excellent collaborative initiatives to work on positively changing the culture of the profession, says Law Society President Kathryn Beck. The meetings were held in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton and Wellington during April…

Strong response to workplace environment survey

The Law Society’s survey of the workplace environment of practising lawyers had been completed by 3,520 lawyers when it closed on 30 April. The survey, looking at the behaviours lawyers have experienced in their workplaces, was carried out by market research firm Colmar Brunton for the Law Society. It was sent to…

Sign the Gender Equality Charter today, says Law Society President

Nothing now stands in the way of lawyers, law firms, barristers' chambers or legal teams signing the New Zealand Law Society's Gender Equality Charter, Law Society President Kathryn Beck says. The Charter was launched at Parliament on 12 April. It is a set of commitments aimed at improving the retention and…

Lawyer volunteers needed

The New Zealand Law Society is looking for practitioners to assist on a voluntary basis in relation to the carrying out of its regulatory functions. The time required is not unduly onerous and volunteers may only be asked whether they can assist once or twice a year. Applications are welcomed…

'Waka jumping' bill raises constitutional concerns

A bill imposing significant limits on MPs’ constitutional rights may have a chilling effect on MPs’ freedom of speech inside and outside Parliament, the New Zealand Law Society says. In a submission on the Electoral (Integrity) Amendment Bill presented to Parliament’s Justice Committee, the Law Society said more evidence is needed…

Do not click on unknown attachments, says Law Society

The New Zealand Law Society is again warning lawyers and law firm staff to think twice before clicking on attachments in emails sent to them. The warning has been prompted by appearance of an email which uses the name of a genuine employee in a genuine and reputable law firm and…