Pre-registration for the 2024-25 membership year is now open. Pre-registering now ensures you will continue to receive the same great service, with even more value. Law Society membership benefits include advocacy for the profession, membership to a section* and access to a range of services to help you connect, grow, learn and stay informed. A full list of benefits can be found on our website. *eligibility criteria apply
As the New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa introduces a paid membership subscription, Chief Executive Katie Rusbatch says the refreshed offer means lawyers will get the same great service with even more value.
Ms Rusbatch is calling on members of the profession to pre-register now to take up the new offer which includes member-only benefits, with more detail on these coming in the next few months.
“The Law Society is a strong voice and trusted advocate for access to justice and rule of law across the motu.”
And, in the last year alone, over 10,000 members of the profession participated in events run by the Law Society’s 13 branches.
Ms Rusbatch says the Law Society delivers real value to the profession throughout the country.
More than 16,000 lawyers are currently members of the Law Society and receive membership services at no cost (unless they are a member of the Family or Property Law Sections).
“We’ve already received positive feedback from lawyers who are telling us that they see real value in the services we provide for what they consider is a modest subscription,” she says.
Ms Rusbatch notes the money the Law Society receives from practising certificate fees can only be spent on regulatory matters, not on representative services for members.
Section 67(4) of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006 prohibits any cross-subsidisation, and the Law Society has separate regulatory and representative accounts.
“We are now moving to a model of paid membership to support the delivery of our representative services,” she says.
From 1 July, for the 2024/25 year, an annual membership subscription will cost $290 +GST (including complimentary membership to a Law Society Section). Lawyers in their first two years of practising will receive free membership.
Ms Rusbatch says services that are currently funded by regulatory, such as libraries, counselling, and mentoring, will continue to be available to the whole profession, regardless of membership status.
Ms Rusbatch says the Law Society is the only national organisation that represents and advocates for all of the profession.
“We work for the interests of the profession through our advocacy for access to justice and the rule of law,” she says. “This can range from providing feedback on proposed law changes to advocating for increased rates for duty lawyers.”
The Branches and Sections offer a wide range of opportunities for lawyers to meet, connect, share their experiences, and learn from each other and experts.
“We have 13 Branches from the top of the north to the bottom of the south and we know that the support and services our Branches offer are deeply valued by lawyers,” says Ms Rusbatch.
“We also perform a critical role in providing lawyers with the most up-to-date information and advice across all aspects of the law.”
Ms Rusbatch says the Law Society offers support, advice and guidance on health and wellbeing, career, complaints, practice area and technical issues.
“We are there for lawyers when it really matters,” she says.
Advocacy for the profession
A strong voice and trusted advocate for access to justice and rule of law across the motu
Complimentary membership to a Section
Gain access to the broad range of services and support offered by our Sections (FLS, PLS, ILANZ)Note that eligibility criteria apply to Section membership
Member savings on CPD
Enjoy savings with up to 30% off full price NZLS CLE Limited and Law Society education
Networking and learning events
Stay connected with events, learning and support via our 13 Branches and Sections
Local support through our Branch network
A community to turn to when you need help
Listed on Find a Lawyer
Be discovered with Find a Lawyer, a publicly searchable lawyer database
Save money
Enjoy member-only offers and discounts through our Partner Programme
Specialist tools and resources
Access our growing library of tools, resources and guides for your practice and area of law
Mentoring and career hub
One-stop-shop of tools and resources to support you in your career
Enhance your brand
Build confidence with your clients and promote your membership of the Law Society with the use of Law Society and FLS/PLS logo and Law Society Member-only post-nominals
Member-only bulletins
Stay informed on critical issues related to your area of practice
Complimentary membership for new lawyers in your first two years of practice
Membership, support, collegiality and resources designed especially for new lawyers in your first two years of practice
Personal, Wellbeing and Professional Support
As a member, the Law Society is here to support you through various stages of your professional life, with resources and support in times of need. Support is available to all lawyers on a confidential basis by fellow lawyers on your questions or concerns related to practice issues
And more coming soon...
Membership to the New Zealand Law Society includes membership to a Section, which offers deeper value to members working in particular areas of law.
Lawyers can join an additional section for $100 plus GST per section.
We’re introducing a Partner Programme and from 1 July you’ll be able to save money through member only offers and discounts, including:
We’ll also have special early access offers available so make sure you’re following us on social media to get access. We’ll provide more information about these offers in the coming months.
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/new-zealand-law-society
Instagram: @nzlawsociety
Membership can be a great way to access services on offer by the Law Society, but it is voluntary. Lawyers who choose not to remain members will still be able to participate in Branches and Sections. However, members will receive member benefits, discounted pricing for events and education, including up to 30% off full price NZLS CLE Limited and Law Society education, and are able to participate in in the Branch and Section Council governance and elections.
Lawyers in their first two years of practising will receive free membership.
Want to know more?
You can learn more about our 2024-25 membership offer, how to pre-register and read the membership frequently asked questions by visiting our website lawsociety.org.nz/membership