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…

Some questions raised by employment mediation service proposals

The New Zealand Law Society has recommended that proposed changes to MBIE's employment mediation services  be trialed in one or more regional centres before being rolled out nationally. In comments on MBIE's proposals, the Law Society says prompt, locally provided mediation services are fundamental to resolving employment disputes effectively and efficiently…

Proposed statement of claim changes concern NZLS

The New Zealand Law Society says it is concerned about the potential adverse effects of changes proposed by the Rules Committee for striking out statements of claim before service. The Committee's paper Consultation on Striking out Statements of Claim before Service proposes  a new rule to specify a procedure for a statement…

Difficulties with Minimum Wage for Contractors Bill

A bill intended to protect contract workers by requiring them to be paid at least the minimum hourly wage may inhibit contracting flexibility and not achieve its purpose, the New Zealand Law Society says. The Minimum Wage (Contractor Remuneration) Amendment Bill requires a principal party who engages a contractor in one of the specified service…

NZLS opposes child sex offender name change bill

The New Zealand Law Society says a bill to prevent child sex offenders from changing their name should not proceed. In a submission on the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration (Preventing Name Change by Child Sex Offenders) Amendment Bill, the Law Society says it agrees with the Attorney-General's comments in…

Law Society suggests alteration of WHOIS system

The Domain Name Commission WHOIS system should be altered to allow suppression of personal information where there is evidence of risk to personal safety, the New Zealand Law Society says. In a submission to the Commission on stage 2 of its review of the WHOIS register, the Law Society says there…

Proportion of women partners/directors inches upwards

Women make up 25.6% of partners and directors in New Zealand law firms with more than one lawyer. Information from the New Zealand Law Society shows that there has been slow but steady growth in the number of women partners and directors. A year ago women comprised 24.6% of partners and…

Limited retainer Practice Briefing

  The New Zealand Law Society has released a Practice Briefing intended to encourage lawyers to consider undertaking limited retainers as a way to reduce legal costs for clients who can't afford full representation. Better enabling of access to justice, particularly for individuals with low incomes and limited or no eligibility for…

Lawyers mark Day of the Endangered Lawyer

The New Zealand Law Society has expressed its support for lawyers around the world who risk harassment, persecution and injury or death in their work. Friday 22 January is being marked internationally as the Day of the Endangered Lawyer. New Zealand Law Society President Chris Moore says New Zealand is highly ranked for its adherence to the…

Rise in self-representation shows need for examination of access to justice

The rise in people who represent themselves in court proceedings is one of several indicators that a wide-ranging examination of the barriers to an accessible justice system is needed, New Zealand Law Society President Chris Moore says. Commenting on reports that rising court costs and other factors are causing more people to represent themselves in court,…