Results of charge-out rate survey released

The New Zealand Law Society has released the results of a survey of charge-out rates for lawyers employed in law firms. A question on charge-out rates ("what is your usual charge-out rate?") was included in the 2016 New Zealand Law Society Hays Legal Salary Survey which is now being analysed by…

Former Dunedin barrister struck off

A former Dunedin barrister who fled to Australia has been struck off by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal over tax evasion offences, totalling more than $180,000. Raeline Marine Kelly did not appear at the criminal trial to face 46 charges despite signalling her intention to do so. She…

NZLS refines client care information

The New Zealand Law Society has reviewed and refined its model client care information.  The information was developed to assist practitioners on implementation of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006 which brought in changed requirements for client care information with the Rules of Conduct and Client Care. The Rules took effect…

Review of Clean Slate legislation needed, says NZLS

The New Zealand Law Society agrees that the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004 should be amended to apply to people who have been sentenced to a custodial sentence of 12 months or less, after twenty years has passed since the date of last sentencing. Responding to an invitation from Parliament's…

Young French-speaking lawyers offered internship chance

The New Zealand Law Society has been invited to recommend a young French-speaking lawyer to participate in the Stage International traineeship, an annual event organised by the Order des avocats de Paris. Run every October and November, the courses are totally funded by the Paris Bar. Trainees are responsible for travel…

Is a National Policy Statement on Urban Development Capacity necessary?

The New Zealand Law Society is questioning whether a National Policy Statement on Urban Development Capacity is necessary. In a submission to the Ministry for the Environment, the Law Society says it has several concerns about the proposal. In relation to the NPS-UDC, it says planning under the Resource Management Act is about predicting and…

New Zealand Law Society welcomes changes to Enduring Powers of Attorney forms

The New Zealand Law Society welcomes proposed changes to the Enduring Powers of Attorney forms, saying they will reduce cost and complexity. In a submission to the Ministry of Social Development in relation to the Statutes Amendment Bill which proposes to amend section 94A of the Act to allow the same lawyer or legal…

New judicial appointments welcomed

The appointment of Dame Ellen France to the Supreme Court means that men and women are equally represented on our highest court, New Zealand Law Society President Kathryn Beck says. Dame Ellen's appointment from 22 July will mean the Supreme Court has a bench of three men and three women. "As far as we can determine, no other…

Auckland lawyer struck off for taking $10,000 trust money

An Auckland lawyer who has been practising for nearly 30 years has been struck off the roll after being found guilty of misconduct in relation to how she managed a $10,000 trust. Mary Hackshaw failed to respond to disciplinary charges and appeared before the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal. New Zealand Law Society National Prosecutions…

Incorporated Societies Bill draft supported

The general approach taken in the Exposure Draft of the Incorporated Societies Bill is supported  by the New Zealand Law Society. In a submission to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) on the Exposure Draft, the Law Society says it strikes a workable balance between providing clear rules and…