New Zealand Law Society - Law Society statements

Law Society statements

Aaron Rodney Nicholls suspended from practice on an interim basis

The Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal (the Tribunal) has suspended Auckland lawyer Aaron Rodney Nicholls from practice on an interim basis from 17 April 2024. The Standards Committee sought an interim suspension order in respect of Mr Nicholls after laying charges which alleged misappropriation of client funds and deceitful conduct.

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…

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Rico Scott Horsley censured

Auckland lawyer Rico Scott Horsley has been censured by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal. On 26 June 2018 the Tribunal found Mr Horsley guilty of negligence in his professional capacity. It found that his actions were at the lower end of the scale of negligence and noted that…

Two standing for New Zealand Law Society President

Two current members of the New Zealand Law Society Board are standing for election as the next New Zealand Law Society President. The closing date for nominations is 23 September. The term of current President Kathryn Beck ends at the Law Society Council’s annual meeting in April 2019. The new President…

Law Society seeking independent voice on governing Board

The New Zealand Law Society is seeking a non-lawyer to provide an independent perspective at meetings of its governing Board. “This is an important development in our commitment to a process of significant cultural change within the Law Society itself,” Law Society President Kathryn Beck says. “This will be the first time…

Chair of Law Society's Family Law Section on Expert Reference Group

The New Zealand Law Society welcomes the inclusion of Family Law Section Chair, Kirsty Swadling to the Expert Reference Group. The group will assist the Independent Panel in examining the 2014 family justice reforms. FLS chair, Kirsty Swadling is a barrister and mediator with over 30 years’ experience in litigation and dispute…

Michael Brian Meyrick suspended for two years

Michael Brian Meyrick has been suspended from practising as a barrister and solicitor for two years. The suspension has been imposed by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal and is effective from 3 May 2018. Mr Meyrick has retired from legal practice. On 3 May the Tribunal found Mr Meyrick…

Legislative changes needed to support political participation by disabled people

Legislation seeking to facilitate disabled people’s participation in elections and standing for political office needs to be changed to make it clear and workable, the New Zealand Law Society says. The Law Society has presented its submission on the Election Access Fund Bill to Parliament’s Governance and Administration Committee. The private…

Legal salary survey underway

The New Zealand Law Society and legal recruitment specialist Niche Consulting Group are carrying out a legal salary of employed lawyers in law firms and working in-house. An invitation to participate was emailed to over 7,500 lawyers on 8 August. The objective of the survey is to provide both employers and their…

Response to inaccurate reports of the Law Society's actions regarding a breach of privacy

The New Zealand Law Society wishes to correct suggestions that it attempted to hide a breach of privacy, and to address misconceptions about the use of an injunction. Reports allege that the Law Society sought an injunction to stop publication of information about a breach of privacy in order to cover…

Prison cell 'double-bunking' changes inconsistent with UN Rules

A proposed law change making prison cell sharing or ‘double bunking’ the norm is inconsistent with New Zealand’s obligations under UN Rules relating to treatment of prisoners, the Law Society says. The New Zealand Law Society has presented its submission on the Corrections Amendment Bill to Parliament’s Justice select committee. It…

Family Court review welcomed

The New Zealand Law Society welcomes the announcement of an independent panel to review the 2014 changes to the Family Court. “The panel has been given until May 2019 to report to the Minister of Justice with its recommendations and this should allow time for adequate consultation. It is pleasing to…
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