One of the Law Society’s key statutory functions is to ‘assist and promote, for the purpose of upholding the rule of law and facilitating the administration of justice in New Zealand, the reform of the law’. 

This work is carried out by the Law Society’s law reform committees, sections, and an in-house Law Reform and Advocacy Team, for the benefit of the profession and the public.

The Law Society’s law reform work involves reviewing and making submissions on bills referred to select committee, on discussion papers from government agencies and other organisations, and a broad range of other consultations.

The Law Society advocates for the rule of law and the administration of justice, with a particular focus on access to justice. This work includes:  

• regular communication with Ministers, courts and tribunals, and government departments 
• escalation of issues and concerns, including those raised by members of the profession, such as health and safety in courthouses 
• evidence-based advocacy for systemic improvements within the justice system, supported by research and larger projects.