Support for Official Information Act extension

The New Zealand Law Society says it supports a bill that applies the existing provisions of the Official Information Act to Parliamentary Under-Secretaries in the same way as Ministers, when acting in that official capacity. The Law Society has presented a submission to parliament's Government Administration Committee on the Official Information (Parliamentary Under-Secretaries) Amendment Bill. Spokesperson Jason McHerron says…

Ashburton lawyer numbers soar

The number of lawyers practising in Ashburton has risen by 61% over the last five years - well above the 8% growth shown for all lawyers in New Zealand over the period. The New Zealand Law Society's annual Snapshot of the Profession 2016 says other Canterbury centres such as Rangiora, Kaiapoi…

Law Society seeks solutions to underrepresentation of women

While many New Zealand law firms now take a gender-neutral approach to promoting lawyers, there is evidence that men may still receive preference in some firms, New Zealand Law Society President Chris Moore says. "It appears that men are more likely to be partners or directors in law firms than are women right from the outset. "Law…

Practising without trust account certification due

Law practices which have elected not to operate a trust account are being reminded that they need to complete their annual certification requirements. The New Zealand Law Society has contacted all such practices and is reminding them of the action they must take by 31 March 2016. All law practices that elect…

NZLS welcomes idea of different tax penalty approach

The New Zealand Law Society would welcome a different approach by Inland Revenue to penalties if it would mean changes in some of the current approaches. In its comments on the discussion document Making Tax Simpler: Towards a New Tax Administration Act, the Law Society says the document looks at a…

Retention of lawyer financial advice exemption supported

The New Zealand Law Society supports a MBIE proposal to continue to exempt lawyers from the operation of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 in relation to financial advice that they might provide as part of their normal activities. The Law Society has released its submission on the Options Paper Review of…

NZLS suggests changes to residential law withholding tax bill

The New Zealand Law Society recommends that several changes are made to the provisions for residential land withholding tax in the Taxation (Residential Land Withholding Tax, GST on Online Services, and Student Loans) Bill to ensure there is better clarity. In its submission to the Finance and Expenditure Committee on the…

Lawyers make important community contribution, says NZLS President

The legal profession makes an important contribution in New Zealand's communities and the voluntary sector, says New Zealand Law Society President Chris Moore. Writing in the New Zealand Law Society Report to Members, 2014/15, Mr Moore says New Zealand has an outstanding legal profession which is committed to freely and willingly…

Bruce Harvey Reid suspended on interim basis

Auckland lawyer Bruce Harvey Reid has been suspended on an interim basis by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal. The tribunal made the interim suspension order on 5 February 2016 and it is effective immediately. Mr Reid is facing charges relating to allegations that he misappropriated client funds for his…

New criminal legal aid fees a welcome first step

New fees schedules for criminal legal aid announced today are a welcome step in the right direction, New Zealand Law Society Legal Services Committee convenor Liz Bulger says. "However, the changes have been a long time coming and lawyers providing criminal legal aid have been seriously struggling with the overall economic…