New Zealand Law Society - Newsroom

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Former lawyer fined, censured and ordered not to practise on own account for breaching obligation to the Court

The New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyances Disciplinary Tribunal (the Tribunal) found that former Whangarei lawyer Lynette O’Boyle (Ms O’Boyle) engaged in unsatisfactory conduct by filing without notice proceedings in which she was a potential witness. Ms O’Boyle aggravated the conduct by refusing to co-operate with the standards committee. The Tribunal characterised…

Lawyer struck off for misleading client and creating false documents

The New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal (the Tribunal) has struck off Hamilton lawyer Benjamin Wong for misleading his client over the course of two years about debt recovery proceedings. The conduct included false representations as well as creating and sending false documents. The Tribunal regarded Mr Wong’s conduct as…

Lawyer suspended for failing to comply with a training order made by a standards committee

The New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyances Disciplinary Tribunal (the Tribunal) made a finding of misconduct in relation to Wellington lawyer Janet Mason (Ms Mason). Ms Mason failed to comply with a standards committee order to undertake a training course within the specified timeframe. The Tribunal found Ms Mason had acted…

Applications now open - Paris Bar - Stage International 2025

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.

On the move See all

Morgan Coakle announces Aimee Edwards as new Partner

The partners of Morgan Coakle have announced the appointment of Aimee Edwards as a Commercial/Property Partner of the firm.

The Firm promotes Carly Christie to Associate

Carly Christie is promoted to Associate at The Firm.

Simpson Western announces promotions

Saunders Robinson Brown April promotions

Buddle Findlay announces two new senior associate appointments

Public Trust announces Board changes

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 urges Government action over Minister’s Judiciary comments

The Law Society has urged the Government to make a clear, public statement reminding all Ministers of their obligations and duties in respect of the judiciary, and the consequences that will likely follow if those obligations continue to be breached. Following reports of Hon Shane Jones’ comments about High Court Judge,…

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

The New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa recently submitted on the Firearms Prohibition Orders Legislation Amendment Bill. Last week the Justice Select Committee reported back on the Bill, accepting six of the Law Society’s eight recommendations.

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

Law Society welcomes Select Committee report on Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill

Law Society makes recommendations to improve Fast-track Approvals Bill

Attacks on judges risk weakening the justice system

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Supporting International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is on Saturday 8 March, and the Law Society is supporting the Ministry for Women’s efforts to help reduce New Zealand’s gender pay gap.
Not Admissible: A Discussion on Lawyers’ Mental Health

Not Admissible: A Discussion on Lawyers’ Mental Health

Law Society Chief Executive Katie Rusbatch was part of a panel discussion about mental health in New Zealand’s legal profession earlier this week. Hosted by Minister for Mental Health Hon Matt Doocey and the Life Squared Trust, in association with the Law Society, Ms Rusbatch was joined by clinical psychologist…

New process to improve visibility of dependent children in courts

A new operational process will begin on 3 March 2025 to improve information available to the criminal court about the existence of dependent children. The initiative aims to ensure the court is aware when a primary caregiver is facing a potential custodial remand or sentence, allowing for more informed decision-making…

Summer greetings from the Law Society

A message from David Campbell, Vice President AucklandTēnā koutou katoa, As the festive season draws near, I extend my warmest greetings to all members of the New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa and the wider legal community. This time of year, gives us the perfect opportunity…
Holiday message from the Chief Justice

Holiday message from the Chief Justice

Tēnā koutou katoa   The end of the year gives us the opportunity to reflect on events and achievements during the year, and to look forward to the work that awaits us in the New Year.  It also gives me the opportunity to thank all members of the profession for the work…

Lawyers reminded about professional obligations when speaking with the media.  

The Law Society reminds lawyers that they must carefully consider their professional obligations when speaking with the media. This reminder follows two recent decisions from the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal (the Tribunal) in which lawyers were found to have breached their professional obligations while engaging in media…
Philosophy and Mental Health: Lessons for Lawyers

Philosophy and Mental Health: Lessons for Lawyers

Never-ending email threads, end-of-year functions, looming deadlines—these final weeks of the year can test even the most resilient lawyers. So, it was timely this week that Daniel Kalderimis KC and Charlotte Griffin, shared their insights on mental health during Wellington’s lunchtime seminar, Mental Health and Philosophy for Lawyers.

Treaty law principles event a success

Hundreds of lawyers from around the motu attended the Korero with the experts: te Tiriti principles explained, event on Tuesday evening.  Held at Victoria University’s Law School, and online, the event was co-hosted by Te Hunga Rōia Māori o Aotearoa and the New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa.  The…

Potential changes to complaints processes

The New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa is pleased with the Government’s plans to move forward on amendments to allow limited administrative triaging in the lawyers’ complaints process. Such an amendment received significant support when the Law Society consulted the profession on proposed changes aimed at…

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

The New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa has written to the Minister of Justice about the introduction of Amendment Paper 51 on the Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill (the Bill), which proposes a new ‘gang insignia prohibition order’ (GIPO) regime and includes a prohibition on individuals subject to…
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