“Access to justice is a fundamental right in Aotearoa New Zealand, but it is one that too many people miss out on,” says Tiana Epati, Law Society President.

“This is a growing problem exacerbated by a legal aid system long overdue an overhaul.”​

“As the national body for the legal profession the Law Society is in a unique place to call for change. But we need to better understand who is delivering legal aid, why lawyers choose to provide legal aid, pro bono and low bono services or not.”

All lawyers are being asked to do the survey, even if they don’t do legal aid, pro bono or low bono or any work in the access to justice space.

Information from the survey will help build an evidence base to advocate for better access to justice, and improvements to the legal aid system.

“This survey is a small thing which every lawyer can do to support the campaign for greater access to justice,” says Ms Epati.

“Given the impact of the ongoing lockdowns, now is the time to push for change.  And to do that together as one voice, and one profession.  Lawyers can make a difference today by completing this survey.​”

The survey is running until 17 September 2021.

If you are a practising lawyer and you haven’t received a copy of the email by Tuesday 31 August, then please email accesstojustice@lawsociety.org.nz