Law Society information on affidavits and POAs

COVID-19 Administration of Affidavits and Statutory Declarations The Law Society has been considering options to address issues related to the administration of affidavits and statutory declarations in circumstances of mandatory physical distancing, Chief Executive Helen Morgan-Banda says. "An option has been identified which could provide a workaround in appropriate circumstances, without requiring…

Monthly trust account certificates still to be submitted

The New Zealand Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa has advised that monthly trust account certificates should still be submitted online where possible. The Law Society has contacted all trust account supervisors with information on the process around the coming deadline. "With the end of month approaching, many practitioners will be…

Property Law Section recommends Level 4 property settlement clause

The Property Law Section of the New Zealand Law Society |Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa says it has considered the pressing issue of property settlements at COVID-19 Level 4. The Section recommends use of a new clause to amend existing Agreements for Sale and Purchase or Auction Agreements due to settle…

Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture to cancel public events

The New Zealand Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa is carefully monitoring the COVID-19 situation and following Ministry of Health guidelines to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff and stakeholders. We offer a busy calendar of events and professional development opportunities as part of our work to…

Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture President outlines support available to profession

New Zealand Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa President Tiana Epati has sent a message to all New Zealand lawyers to outline support available to those in legal workplaces. "In these uncertain times, it is important we look after our own mental health and that of our legal staff.  In…

Steering group appointed for review of statutory framework for legal services

The New Zealand Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa is undertaking an independent review of the statutory framework for legal services, including the structure and functions of the Law Society. Law Society President Tiana Epati said the review was launched in response to the constraints the current Lawyers and…

Law Society encourages legal workplaces to follow Ministry advice on COVID-19

The New Zealand Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa is aware of the potential problems which could arise for legal workplaces, lawyers and their clients, and in the wider justice system, because of COVID-19. The Law Society is closely following all official guidelines and advice that continues to be…

Law change not necessary to protect first responders, says Law Society

Law changes being proposed to provide protection for first responders and prison officers are well-intentioned, but New Zealand’s criminal law system already provides this protection. The New Zealand Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa says these changes would add unnecessary confusion and inconsistency. The Law Society has presented its submission…

Parliamentary oversight an important safeguard for secondary legislation, says Law Society

The New Zealand Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa says the new framework governing secondary legislation is an important part of New Zealand’s constitution, and changes to the framework would better support the accessibility and Parliamentary oversight of secondary legislation. The Law Society presented its submission on the Secondary…

Law Society sells national office building

The New Zealand Law Society has sold its national office building at 26 Waring Taylor Street, Wellington to The Wellington Company. The settlement date is 31 March 2020. The Law Society moved out of the building in July 2019 after a Detailed Seismic Assessment revealed that part of the building was earthquake prone. While the Law…