As part of our role to regulate the legal profession in Aotearoa New Zealand, we help people resolve issues about the conduct, service or fees of current or former lawyers, current or former incorporated law firms, or current or former employees of lawyers or incorporated firms.
When concerns arise, raise these with your lawyer first. They may be able to address your concern once they become aware of it.
Are we the right people to help you?
If you still need help after talking to the lawyer, take a look at the list of things we can or cannot help you with.
Things we can help with
We can consider complaints about;
- legal fees you’ve been charged
- service or communication issues
- delays
- handling of trust money (theft, money used without your consent, statements not being provided)
- conduct of the lawyer that causes significant harm, property or money loss.
Things we can’t help with
We can’t:
- give you legal advice or provide a second opinion on legal advice you’ve received
- recommend a lawyer or law firm to you
- tell you whether you should make a complaint
- consider a complaint about:
- conduct that took place before 1 August 2002
- conduct that has previously been considered under the Law Practitioners Act 1982
- the same conduct as a previous complaint made by you (unless you have new evidence)
- fees over two years old and/or do not exceed $2,000 (excluding GST) (unless there are special circumstances)
- fees charged by Legal Aid lawyers (these are managed by the Ministry of Justice)
- the decisions or actions of a lawyer in the course of their duties as a trustee or executor
- a lawyer who is deceased
- a Judge (these are managed by the Office of the Judicial Conduct Commissioner)
- inquire into the outcome of, or assist with, a court case on your behalf
- handle claims on the Lawyers Fidelity Fund
- make changes to Lawyer for Child arrangements (these are managed by the Ministry of Justice).
What to do next
If you think we may be able to help you with your complaint, check out ‘How the complaints process works’ and ‘How to make a complaint’.
Other resources
