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…

Kerry Noble Williams suspended from legal practice

The New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal has suspended Kerry Noble Williams from legal practice for nine months commencing on 21 February 2020. In November 2019 the Tribunal found Mr Williams guilty of professional misconduct under the Law Practitioners Act 1982. Mr Williams was charged under the legislation which preceded…

Sexual violence trial reforms must strike the right balance, says Law Society

The New Zealand Law Society says it supports efforts to reduce retraumatisation for sexual violence complainants, but proposed law changes need to strike the right balance between ensuring complainants are treated fairly and upholding the fundamental right to a fair trial. The Law Society presented its submission on the Sexual Violence…

Vicki Lee Pomeroy fined and censured

Auckland lawyer Vicki Lee Pomeroy has been fined $5,000 and censured by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal. The Tribunal found Ms Pomeroy guilty of unsatisfactory conduct in October 2019 for failing to comply with a request by a New Zealand Law Society lawyers standards committee to produce for…

NZLS Board Approves Proposed Changes to Lawyers’ Conduct Rules

The New Zealand Law Society (Law Society) Board has approved draft changes to two sets of rules designed to deliver clear conduct and reporting standards for lawyers to address discrimination, harassment, bullying and other unacceptable conduct in the legal community. “The proposed changes will strengthen our ability to address unacceptable behaviour…

Paris internship opportunity for young lawyers

The New Zealand Law Society is taking applications for Stage International, an eight-week traineeship hosted by the Paris Bar which attracts young French-speaking foreign lawyers from all over the world. The aim of the internship is to help lawyers to learn about law and the practice of the legal profession in…

Patrick James Kennelly censured and fined

Orewa lawyer Patrick James Kennelly has been censured and fined $20,000 by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal after admitting that he breached an undertaking given to the Tribunal and also breached the Trust Account Regulations. Mr Kennelly’s undertaking was that he would commit to moving to approved trust…

APEC 2021 security legislation needs additional safeguards, says Law Society

The New Zealand Law Society says legislation to support safety and security for world leaders and others attending APEC 2021 events needs additional safeguards and public scrutiny of the powers to be given to the armed forces and APEC security staff. The Law Society has presented its submission on the Asia-Pacific…