Regulatory Working Group finalising report

The New Zealand Law Society Regulatory Working Group is in the process of finalising its report, which identifies and proposes improvements to the legal profession's current regulatory framework, systems and processes. The focus of the Working Group's work is to enable better reporting, prevention, detection and support of victims of sexual…

Law Society statement supporting appointment of Culture Change Taskforce chair

The New Zealand Law Society fully supports the appointment of Kathryn Beck to lead the Culture Change Taskforce. The Taskforce’s objective is to drive and guide systems and culture change within the legal community. The 16 members have been appointed for an initial three-year term. It met for the first time…

Law Society says independent evaluation of Audio Visual Services pilot for courtrooms needed

The New Zealand Law Society supports the use of Audio Visual Services (AVS) in appropriate cases in principle, but says an independent evaluation of a recent Auckland pilot is needed to ensure defendant’s rights are not breached. The Law Society’s Criminal Law Committee has been involved in the Auckland Custody Unit…

Sarah Alawi wins Hon Rex Mason Prize for Legal Writing

Auckland lawyer Sarah Alawi has won the 2017 Hon Rex Mason Prize for Excellence in Legal Writing. Ms Alawi is an associate with Auckland law firm Gilbert/Walker, who she joined after completing two years as a Judges' Clerk at the High Court in Auckland Sarah Alawi joined Gilbert/Walker after completing two years as…

Law Society Taskforce focused on culture change

The Law Society’s ‘Culture Change Taskforce’ has met for the first time on its commitment to ‘drive and guide systems and culture change within the legal community’. The Taskforce was one of the Law Society’s initiatives in response to its Legal Workplace Environment Survey which was released in late May. The…

Women’s Suffrage Day milestone: ideal time to reflect on gender equality in the workplace

Today marks 125 years since women gained the right to vote in New Zealand. The first female lawyer to be admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court, was Ethel Benjamin on 4 May, 1897. In April this year, the Law Society released the Gender Equality Charter to the law…

Michael Rawiri Taia fined and subject to supervision order

Auckland lawyer Michael Rawiri Taia has been fined $1,500 by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal after being found guilty of misconduct. He has also been ordered to pay or refund total costs of $13,426 to the New Zealand Law Society and to undergo a term of supervision of…

Robyn Philippa Joy Fendall struck off Roll

The New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal has struck Robyn Philippa Joy Fendall off the roll of barristers and solicitors. Ms Fendall was found to have been guilty of professional misconduct by reason of disgraceful or dishonourable conduct. Her misconduct related to false declarations made in relation to an income protection…

Female counsel appearance research a call to action

The release of research showing that female lawyers are greatly under-represented in our highest courts is a call to further action, New Zealand Law Society President Kathryn Beck says. “The message is very clear. Over the last six years there has been little change in what is an unacceptable low proportion…

Ministry congratulated on Empowerment Diversity award

The Ministry of Justice is to be congratulated for winning the Empowerment Award at the 2018 Diversity Works NZ Diversity Awards, New Zealand Law Society President Kathryn Beck says. “The ministry is a large and diverse organisation which works in over 100 locations across New Zealand. The way its management has…