Outlook for 2025

Law Society President Frazer Barton outlines key issues facing the legal profession in 2025. He discusses the long-overdue legal aid review, mental health initiatives, law reform and advocacy, and the challenges and opportunities ahead for lawyers across Aotearoa New Zealand.

The issues that matter most

With a flurry of legislative change underway and AI transforming the world, the legal profession is navigating a period of rapid evolution. LawTalk spoke with six professionals across different areas of law to hear their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities ahead. From shifting regulations to the pressures of increasing…

Representative services and the value of Law Society membership

General Manager of Representative Services, Amanda Woodbridge, highlights the growing value of Law Society membership since introducing the paid subscription. She discusses the Law Society’s support, advocacy, wellbeing initiatives, and events, with a focus on accessible CPD, mental health support, and technical guidance for over 10,000 members.

Law Reform and Advocacy update

Read about the Law Society’s law reform and advocacy work over the past quarter. The Law Society has been active in law reform, submitting 21 Bills and 23 discussion documents from December to February. This includes submissions on the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill, the Mental Health Bill,…

Confidentiality and talking about clients

Social and news mediaLawyers face the challenge of balancing confidentiality with the increasing pressure to engage with the public through social media and news media. This article examines recent cases where lawyers breached their duty of confidentiality, offering lessons on how to navigate these complex situations while upholding professional obligations. 

Confidentiality: Safety concerns for clients and other people

Lawyers are tasked with tough decisions when a client’s actions or words suggest a risk to their own or others' safety. This article deals with the topic of when a lawyer might be required to, or may choose to, disclose confidential client information because a client has indicated a risk…

Criminal Practice Update: Making Children Visible in the Court Process

Hon Justice Susan Thomas outlines court reforms addressing the impact of parental incarceration on children, inspired by cases like 5-year-old Malachi Subecz. From March 2025, judges must consider a defendant's dependent children in bail and sentencing decisions. This update explores the implications for legal professionals and the justice system. 

ILANZ – who we are and what we do

President of ILANZ, Ben Jacobs, highlights the organisation's evolution since its 1987 founding ILANZ, a section of the Law Society, now connects and supports 30% of New Zealand's in-house lawyers, offering professional development through events, webinars, and a major annual conference.

Mental health event a success

In March, Law Society Chief Executive Katie Rusbatch joined a panel on mental health in New Zealand's legal profession, hosted by Minister Matt Doocey and Life Squared Trust. The event focused on improving wellbeing, addressing regulatory challenges, culture, and early intervention, with valuable insights shared.

Ko Aotearoa tēnei? Personal attacks on judiciary out of order

Te Hunga Rōia Māori o AotearoaTe Hunga Rōia Māori o Aotearoa (The Māori Law Society) highlights recent personal attacks on members of the judiciary by legal professionals. This column says these attacks undermine trust in the judicial system and detract from a healthy democratic discourse grounded in respect, aroha and empathy.

Elder law in a changing New Zealand

Why every lawyer needs to pay attention.  As our population ages, lawyers must adapt to the evolving challenges of elder law. With extended retirement periods, complex asset management, and legal protections for older clients, this area of law touches various aspects of legal practice. This article explores how legal professionals can…