Te Ao Mārama coming into the light

Te Ao Mārama is a new model of justice being rolled out across the District Court. Our President Tiana Epati sat down with Chief District Court Judge Heemi Taumaunu to find out more about Te Ao Mārama and how the legal profession can support its successful implementation.

Being deliberate about disability

Former lawyer, now Disability Rights Commissioner, Paula Tesoriero talks about the need to be deliberate about focussing on disability for any organisation that values diversity and inclusion. Paula also discusses what needs to change to enable all disabled people to participate fully in the legal profession.

Access all areas - The advocacy of Grace Stratton

Law student, consultant and soon to be law clerk Grace Stratton is a passionate advocate for disabled people. She talks to us about what we can all do to ensure that disabled people are understood, valued and given sovereignty over outcomes that affect them and the stories that are told.

Ki te ture hei matua mō te tangata whaikaha

Lawyer and Masters student Edmond Carrucan looks at disability and the law from a Te Ao Māori perspective. Edmond draws on his own personal experience and contemplates what lawyers could be doing differently to better serve those with disabilities.

Accommodating disabled and deaf people to access justice

Supporting people with a wide range of disabilities to access justice, Auckland Disability Law is well placed to provide guidance and insights to all lawyers on how to properly accommodate disabled clients. Manager Sue Plowman talks through some of the things she’d like to see all lawyers offering.

Te Ao Hurihuri | Our changing world

Our President Tiana Epati reflects on recent changes incorporating Te Ao Māori and te reo Māori in the law and the legal profession. She also provides an update on the Law Society’s priorities for 2021 and reflects on the need to continually focus on improving wellbeing.

Getting ready for new Client and Conduct Care Rules

A number of new requirements are in force from 1 July with the amended Client and Conduct Care Rules. Here we outline the main changes, including new reporting requirements for lawyers.

Why I Practise - Isaac Hikaka

Working in the law can take you all over the world – for Auckland based Isaac Hikaka it’s mainly taken him around the South Pacific. Isaac talks to us about why he loves being in the law, his personal passion for the arts and his thoughts about how the profession…

Working as a Partner whilst dedicating time to my family

Even in 2021, working part-time as a partner in a law firm is unusual, but for Tauranga based lawyer Rebecca Graham it is important for her to still have time to dedicate to her family. She tells us how she’s making the move into a senior position work for her…

Get involved - Law Reform Committees

The Law Society's Law Reform Committees offer the opportunity to get involved in important work not only for the profession but for society as a whole. Volunteers tell us about what they get out of being involved, from preparing important submissions to appearing before Select Committees.

Upholding the standards of the legal profession

“I think it’s part of our obligation as practising lawyers to give back to the Law Society and to give back to our profession,” says Kevin Clay who volunteers as a Cost Assessor supporting Standards Committees. Alongside Anthony Jackson the pair talk about why they choose to give their time…

Making a difference through the law

In the first of a new series the Michael and Suzanne Borrin Foundation introduce us to the important work they fund to make a difference to the lives of New Zealanders through the law. The foundation was set up to support legal research, education and scholarships across Aotearoa.

Why now is the time to check in with your attorney

What makes a good attorney? And how often should you be checking in with your’s? Truman Wee looks at the importance of the relationship between a sole-practitioner or sole director of an incorporated law firm and their attorney, and how to ensure a smooth transition should they need to step…

The Supreme Court, Confucianism and Western values and the impact on the law

Mai Chen provides insights into the implications of a recent decision by the Supreme Court to grant leave to appeal for a case which raises potential issues about the interpretation of documents translated from Mandarin, and the cultural setting in an arrangement between two Chinese parties whose business relationship appears…

Sound advice helps lawyer take the leap in-house

Mentoring is an informal and voluntary way of networking and learning. We spoke to Sarah Retter from Fujitsu and Justin Kim from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner about their experience on the Law Society’s Mentoring Programme.

Delivering a different kind of society — Gender Equality and the Law

At a recent conference veteran human rights lawyer Baroness Helena Kennedy QC spoke about why it should surprise none of us that the law continues to fail women. She runs through the advocacy she has done over the years and the gradual shift in attitudes across the profession, the judiciary…

ACC Fundamentals

The Deputy Convenor of the Law Society’s ACC Law Reform Committee offers his observations as to why it’s worth every lawyer knowing something of the uniquely kiwi ACC legal system.

Why lawyers in larger law firms should consider specialising in ACC law

Andrew Shaw, Managing Partner of Lane Neave and member of the Law Society’s ACC Committee highlights the opportunities of ACC law for larger law firms.

Why practise ACC law — Molly McCarthy, Barrister at Woodward Street Chambers

Molly tell us about her passion for ACC law – an area of law that allows her to fulfil her interest in medicine. She says it’s a fascinating area where the decisions have a profound impact on people’s lives.

Leveraging the strength of the Government Legal Network

The largest collection of in-house lawyers in the country sits within the public service, presenting considerable opportunities when it comes to working together. Supporting them to do just that is the Government Legal Network which is making the most of opportunities highlighted through Covid for greater collaboration.

ILANZ offers Voyage of Discovery at recent conference

We take a look back at the recent ILANZ conference which covered a wide range of subjects and heard from some incredible speakers. With nearly 400 lawyers in attendance the event delivered some great opportunities for learning, networking and thinking about wellbeing.