National survey to assess legal profession workplace environments

The New Zealand Law Society is to conduct a national survey of New Zealand lawyers to assess workplace environments in the legal profession. As well as seeking information on harassment and bullying, the Workplace Environment Survey will also include questions on stress and wellbeing.  The Law Society has commissioned research firm Colmar…

Information provided on suspended lawyer restrictions

The New Zealand Law Society has issued a new Practice Briefing, Guidelines for Suspended Lawyers. The guidelines are intended to provide lawyers and their firms with steps that need to be taken if a suspension order is issued, a summary of conduct which suspended lawyers are not permitted to do, the…

Bullying by judiciary unacceptable

The courtroom is the workplace of lawyers working in criminal law. “They, like everyone, are entitled to a working environment free from bullying, harassment and prejudice,” New Zealand Law Society President Kathryn Beck says. “As our Chief Justice has said, any bullying behaviour by members of the judiciary is completely unacceptable. “A…

Watch out for fake jury phishing email

The New Zealand Law Society is warning people to beware of an email which purports to be an invitation to prospective jurors. The email, which is headed "Dear Prospective Juror" and to be a "Justice Department Invitation" (New Zealand has a Ministry of Justice) contains a link which recipients are invited…

Regulatory working group lawyer applications close on 23 March

Expressions of interest from lawyers who want to participate in a regulatory working group on harassment and inappropriate workplace behaviour close at noon on Friday, 23 March. The working group is being established by the New Zealand Law Society to consider what improvements can be made to enable better reporting of…

Dame Silvia Cartwright to chair Law Society regulatory working group

Dame Silvia Cartwright will chair the New Zealand Law Society's regulatory working group to look at the processes for reporting and taking action on harassment and inappropriate behaviour in legal workplaces. "I am thrilled to advise that Dame Silvia Cartwright has agreed to chair our regulatory working group," Law Society President…

Bohsoon (Brent) Kang fined for unsatisfactory conduct

Auckland lawyer Bohsoon Kang has been fined $5,000 by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal after a finding of unsatisfactory conduct. Mr Kang has also been ordered to pay the New Zealand Law Society’s total costs of $16,299.20 and to undertake a Trust Account Supervisor Refresher Course as soon…

Law Society gives guidance on AML/CFT compliance documents

The New Zealand Law Society has released information which gives practical guidance for use of its specimen AML/CFT compliance documents. Lawyers are preparing for implementation of Phase 2 of the compliance regime prescribed by the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009. The Law Society recently released a number of…

Law Society supports legislation to clear complaints backlog

The New Zealand Law Society has welcomed legislation to give the Legal Complaints Review Office new powers that will assist in clearing a backlog of complaints involving lawyers. The legislation would also make the resolution of complaints more efficient and timely, the Law Society has told Parliament’s Justice Committee in a…

Law Society seeks lawyer participants for working group

The New Zealand Law Society is seeking expressions of interest from lawyers who want to participate in a regulatory working group on harassment and inappropriate workplace behaviour. Establishment of the working group was announced earlier this month in response to allegations of unreported sexual harassment in the legal profession. The working…