New Zealand Law Society - Law Society statements

Law Society statements

Cathedral reinstatement bill "rushed" and form not adequately justified

The New Zealand Law Society says the Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Bill is rushed, and without adequate opportunity for consultation. It is also critical of the way the bill uses delegated legislation to amend primary legislation, as well as a time restriction on the right to judicial review and the use…

Law Society releases guidance on suspicious transactions and activities

The Law Society has released three guides for lawyers on the requirements and ethical considerations of reporting suspicious activities and transactions when the Anti-money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism phase 2 requirements apply from 1 July 2018. The guides, the first in a series called "Preparing for AML/CFT", are available…

Guide to advise clients of AML/CFT information requirements

The New Zealand Law Society has released a suggested one-page explanation which lawyers can give clients to explain why they will need to collect and verify information as part of customer due diligence under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Funding of Terrorism requirements. Customer due diligence will require a law firm…
Commitment to increase in lead roles for women lawyers sought

Commitment to increase in lead roles for women lawyers sought

Lawyers and their clients are being urged to adopt a policy which requires them to commit to increasing the proportion of women lawyers leading court proceedings and other contentious matters. The Gender Equitable Engagement and Instruction Policy has been launched in Auckland and Wellington at the offices of law firm Russell…

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Auckland barrister struck off

Auckland barrister Anthony David Banbrook has been struck off the roll by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal. He did not appear at the hearing which was held on 2 November 2017 and he did not file any response to the charges. The tribunal issued the reasons for its…

Law Society targets sexual harassment in the workplace

Any sexual harassment in legal workplaces is absolutely unacceptable, New Zealand Law Society President Kathryn Beck says. The Law Society’s monthly magazine LawTalk has published an article by a New Zealand lawyer which outlines the harassment she underwent while she was a young lawyer. Her experiences of receiving the unwelcomed attentions…

Peter James Morahan suspended from practice

The New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal has suspended Lower Hutt lawyer Peter James Morahan from practice as a barrister and solicitor for four months effective from 4 December 2017. Mr Morahan was found guilty of two charges of negligence or incompetence in his professional capacity that have been of…

Implied criticism of defence lawyers unacceptable

The right to a lawyer is a fundamental part of our justice system and any criticism of lawyers for defending people charged with heinous crimes is not acceptable, the New Zealand Law Society says. “The current comments on Green MP Golriz Ghahraman appear to be over her alleged failure to state…

Law Society suggests summary to accompany terms of engagement

The New Zealand Law Society has released a simple short summary of the key information contained in terms of engagement. This can be given to clients along with the more detailed terms of engagement. Terms of engagement play a critical role in establishing the expectation between lawyers and their clients. However,…

Hamilton lawyer censured

Hamilton barrister and solicitor John Campion has been censured by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal after failure to fully comply with a lawyers standards committee order. The tribunal found that Mr Campion's inaction on the matter amounted to misconduct. Mr Campion was ordered by the standards committee on 14…

Law reform committees a great blend

The New Zealand Law Society's 16 new law reform committees are a wonderful blend of youth and experience, Law Society President Kathryn Beck says. The Law Society recently decided on the membership of its law reform committees for the next two years from September 2017, bringing together the skills and expertise…

Redraft needed for proposed AML/CFT Annual Report form

The Annual Report form in proposed Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regulations needs to be redrafted, the New Zealand Law Society says. The form - which will need to be completed by the majority of New Zealand's lawyers - is poorly constructed with unclear terminology, repetitious and takes…

NZ relationship property report highlights industry and social issues

More efficient resolution of relationship property cases, greater certainty over the status of trusts, and stronger penalties for failing to disclose information are potential areas for relationship property law and practice reform, according to a survey of New Zealand family lawyers. The New Zealand Relationship Property Survey 2017 produced by Grant…

Support for Immigration NZ complaints and feedback process objectives

The objectives of Immigration New Zealand's new Complaints and Feedback Policy and Process are supported by the New Zealand Law Society. The new policy and process was introduced in June 2017 and a post-implementation review of the new policy and process is now being undertaken. "The Law Society supports the creation of…
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