New Zealand Law Society - Newsroom

Newsroom

Marking International Women’s Day

As the Law Society marks International Women’s Day this year, we reflect on the increasing role of women in the legal profession in Aotearoa New Zealand – and the equity questions that come with that progress. 

Advocacy update highlights legislative reforms affecting lawyers

This week the Law Society presented its six-monthly update on its work to improve the law, focusing on several significant bills recently enacted or currently before Parliament. In 2025, over 150 submissions were made, and this year has started at a similar pace. In February, the Law Society made a…

Applications now open: Paris Bar - Stage International 2026

The Law Society is taking applications for Stage International. Since 1991 the Paris Bar has hosted an eight-week traineeship known as Stage International which attracts young French-speaking foreign lawyers from all over the world.

Update on the Solicitors' Fidelity Guarantee Fund

The Solicitors’ Fidelity Guarantee Fund (SFGF) has now been wound up pursuant to section 367 of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006 (the Act). The SFGF provided for claims of theft by solicitors occurring on or before 31 July 2008. The SFGF was replaced by the Lawyer’s Fidelity Fund on…

On the move See all

Juno Legal welcomes Marion Heppner and Sue Wray

Juno Legal has announced that Marion Heppner and Sue Wray have joined the team.

Community Law Centres Aotearoa welcomes new CEO

Community Law Centres Aotearoa (CLCA) has welcomed Gwendoline Keel as its new Chief Executive Officer to head up the national body for the 24 community law centres providing free legal support throughout New Zealand.

Philippa Daniels joins Akarana Chambers

MinterEllisonRuddWatts welcomes property partner Ed Smithies

The Honourable Sir Mark Cooper KNZM KC joins Bankside Chambers

Melissa Johnston joins Kate Sheppard Chambers

Obituaries See all

The Honourable Nicholas Davidson KC

The Honourable Nicholas Davidson KC

The New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa acknowledges with deep respect and gratitude the passing of the Honourable Nicholas Richard William Davidson KC, a distinguished member of the legal profession whose contributions to the law and the Law Society spanned decades. He passed away on 8 March…
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Tribute to Robert Ludbrook, ONZM

Tribute to Robert Ludbrook, ONZM

Robert Ludbrook ONZM passed away in October, after giving a lifetime of service to fighting injustice. He sought to make sure the most vulnerable in our society have access to effective legal services. His achievements were many and hugely significant, stretching over decades – here are a few select highlights.
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Rt Hon Sir Michael Hardie Boys GNZM GCMG QSO KStJ PC

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Dame Alison: a pioneer for women in law

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Dr. David Graham McGee, CNZM, LLD, KC

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Law Society remembers Len Andersen KC

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Advocacy in Action See all

Law Society advocates for better law

This week, our Law Reform and Advocacy Manager, Aimee Bryant, teamed up with Chris Macklin, Convenor of the Criminal Law Committee, for the second webinar in our biannual Advocacy in Action series.

Law Society submission makes compelling case for greater investment in legal aid

The New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa has made a submission on the 2025 Triennial Legal Aid Review, calling for increased and ongoing funding of the legal aid system, and for any reform to be evidence-based.

Law Society urges Government action over Minister’s Judiciary comments

Law Society welcomes Select Committee report on Firearms Prohibition Orders Legislation Amendment Bill

Amendment to gangs bill raises rule of law and human rights concerns

Law Society submits on the Sentencing (Reinstating Three Strikes) Amendment Bill

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Toni Hindmarsh promoted to Associate at The Firm

Tauranga-based law firm The Firm has promoted Toni Hindmarsh to Associate.

Southern Cross Travel Insurance appoints Sarah Owen as Chief Risk and Legal Officer

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) has appointed Sarah Owen to the position of Chief Risk and Legal Officer.

Hesketh Henry welcomes Simon Gray as partner

Hesketh Henry has appointed Simon Gray as a partner to lead its banking and finance practice.

DLA Piper appoints Edward Eisdell-Moore as technology and data partner

DLA Piper has appointed Edward (Ed) Eisdell-Moore as a partner in its technology and data practice.

CPD hours requirement

As we approach the end of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) year, it is a good time for lawyers to check in on their CPD plan and record (CPDPR) and the activities they have completed so far. Understanding the minimum number of CPD hours required is a good place to…

High Court upholds suspension order for Gautam Jindal

The High Court has dismissed Gautam Jindal’s appeal against liability and penalty. The Court found that Mr Jindal had “entirely failed to understand his fundamental obligations as a lawyer” and that he was not a fit and proper person at the time he engaged in the conduct. The Court found…

Continuing Professional Development: Clearing up some common misconceptions 

The rules concerning Continuing Professional Development (CPD) apply to all lawyers, but there are some common misconceptions about them. The CPD scheme fosters lifelong learning and encourages engagement with activities beyond technical knowledge. With this flexibility, there may be some confusion about what exactly counts as a CPD activity and how…

Lawyers are responsible for the contents of court documents prepared using Generative AI

It comes as no surprise that the use of Generative AI (GenAI) has grown in Aotearoa New Zealand’s legal sector. GenAI offers much needed relief to heavy workloads and has already been adopted in day-to-day practice to generate templates, assist with legal research and analyse contracts. With more firms adopting…
Snapshot of the Profession 2025

Snapshot of the Profession 2025

The annual Snapshot of the Profession in Aotearoa New Zealand provides valuable insights and trends into the legal profession. It draws on information held by the New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa as regulator of the practice of law and is based on practising certificate holders in New Zealand.
Law Society’s annual report released

Law Society’s annual report released

The Law Society’s annual report to the Minister of Justice for the 2024/25 year has been tabled in Parliament and is available on the Law Society website at the following link:   New Zealand Law Society Annual Report 2025 Law Society Chief Executive Katie Rusbatch said among the many highlights for the…
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