New Zealand Law Society - LawTalk Issue 966

LawTalk Issue 966

LawTalk Issue 966

The spring issue of LawTalk features the 2026 Election Special. We share political parties’ responses to set questions on justice and legislative policies, speak with Solicitor General Anna Adams KC, and explore the role of AI alongside the importance of human judgement. We also invite the profession to help build a strong and inclusive profession for the future, share insights on wellbeing, reflections on lawyering in Samoa and more. 

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Election 2026 Special Feature

Election 2026 Special Feature

The General Election will be held on 7 November 2026. In keeping with LawTalk tradition, we invited political parties to respond to five questions relating to their justice policies and legislative agendas.
“Rookie” Solicitor-General decades in the making

“Rookie” Solicitor-General decades in the making

Solicitor-General Anna Adams KC may jokingly describe herself as a rookie. Yet despite being new to the public service, she brings decades of legal and leadership experience to one of New Zealand’s most demanding legal roles.
The judgement layer

The judgement layer

AI can draft, analyse and automate, but it can’t replace human judgement. Natalie Kim explains why the next generations of successful lawyers will be those who embrace technology while sharpening the skills that machines can’t replicate, ahead of her upcoming Law Society webinar and masterclass.
Putting legal AI within reach

Putting legal AI within reach

With the introduction of LexisNexis Protégé, lawyers have access to more AI tools through the Law Society library network.
Our Profession, Our Future: a shared strategy for lasting success

Our Profession, Our Future: a shared strategy for lasting success

An invitation to help build the profession for tomorrow - one that's stronger, fairer and inclusive.

Staying well, not just getting through

Thriving in law takes more than resilience – it requires workplaces, connections and ways of working that sustain people throughout their careers.

Te Au Reka and the Courts Portal

Te Au Reka, the courts’ new digital case management system, is coming to the Family Court, with lawyers being required to use the new system from March next year.

Law reform and advocacy update

The Law Society has now made over 130 submissions on bills during the 54th Parliament. This includes 16 submissions made on bills from June to September 2026. Eighteen submissions were also made on discussion documents and other consultations.

Legal adventures in the South Pacific

Auckland barrister Adam Holland shares his experiences of working as defence counsel in Samoa – including the difference in process, the collegiality and footwear.

Book review: An amusement on law and literature

If you’ve ever come across a few lines in a judgment that made you chortle, and wished you’d jotted them down, then Fallen From Thy Lips is for you.