For lawyers who are keen to make a real contribution to law reform in New Zealand, now is an opportunity to get involved.

The New Zealand Law Society is now calling for applications from members and associate members interested in serving as convenors and members of the Law Society’s Law Reform Committee or one of its 15 specialist committees

The Law Society plays an active and important role in the reform of law in New Zealand. The Society has a reputation for producing high quality and impartial submissions on a wide range of legal issues, on behalf of the legal profession and in the public interest.

It is thanks to the dedication and hard work of the members of the profession who volunteer their time and expertise to serve on the various Law Society committees that this is possible. If you are:

• enthusiastic about, and have skills and expertise in a relevant area of law;
• keen to share your knowledge and to work collaboratively with other practitioners;
• willing to volunteer your time and expertise for the benefit of the profession and the community; and
• available to respond to consultation on law reform when required.

… then the Law Society would like you to apply to be a committee member or convenor.

NZLS committee membership is a great way of getting involved and having your say on law reform issues, as well as advocating for change where necessary. It is also an excellent basis for professional development, collegiality and networking. Additionally, your contribution to NZLS law reform may count towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Go to Get Involved for information on the committees, role descriptions for committee convenors and members, and to download an application form. Application forms and information packs are also available via email from anna.sutton@lawsociety.org.nz.

Applications close at 5pm on Monday 27 July 2015.

Committee convenors will be appointed by the New Zealand Law Society Board at its meeting on 28 August. Committee members will be appointed by the Law Society President in early to mid September. Appointments will be for a two-year term from September 2015.

The 15 specialist committees

• Accident Compensation Committee
• Civil Litigation and Tribunals Committee
• Commercial and Business Law Committee
• Criminal Law Committee
• Criminal Law Committee
• Employment Law Committee
• Environmental Law Committee
• Health Law Committee
• Human rights and Privacy Committee
• Immigration and Refugee Law Committee
• Legal Services Committee
• Public and Administrative Law Committee
• Rule of Law Committee
• Tax Committee
• Youth Justice Committee