Law Society seeks solutions to underrepresentation of women

While many New Zealand law firms now take a gender-neutral approach to promoting lawyers, there is evidence that men may still receive preference in some firms, New Zealand Law Society President Chris Moore says. "It appears that men are more likely to be partners or directors in law firms than are women right from the outset. "Law…

Practising without trust account certification due

Law practices which have elected not to operate a trust account are being reminded that they need to complete their annual certification requirements. The New Zealand Law Society has contacted all such practices and is reminding them of the action they must take by 31 March 2016. All law practices that elect…

NZLS welcomes idea of different tax penalty approach

The New Zealand Law Society would welcome a different approach by Inland Revenue to penalties if it would mean changes in some of the current approaches. In its comments on the discussion document Making Tax Simpler: Towards a New Tax Administration Act, the Law Society says the document looks at a…

Retention of lawyer financial advice exemption supported

The New Zealand Law Society supports a MBIE proposal to continue to exempt lawyers from the operation of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 in relation to financial advice that they might provide as part of their normal activities. The Law Society has released its submission on the Options Paper Review of…

Lawyers make important community contribution, says NZLS President

The legal profession makes an important contribution in New Zealand's communities and the voluntary sector, says New Zealand Law Society President Chris Moore. Writing in the New Zealand Law Society Report to Members, 2014/15, Mr Moore says New Zealand has an outstanding legal profession which is committed to freely and willingly…

NZLS suggests changes to residential law withholding tax bill

The New Zealand Law Society recommends that several changes are made to the provisions for residential land withholding tax in the Taxation (Residential Land Withholding Tax, GST on Online Services, and Student Loans) Bill to ensure there is better clarity. In its submission to the Finance and Expenditure Committee on the…

Bruce Harvey Reid suspended on interim basis

Auckland lawyer Bruce Harvey Reid has been suspended on an interim basis by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal. The tribunal made the interim suspension order on 5 February 2016 and it is effective immediately. Mr Reid is facing charges relating to allegations that he misappropriated client funds for his…

New criminal legal aid fees a welcome first step

New fees schedules for criminal legal aid announced today are a welcome step in the right direction, New Zealand Law Society Legal Services Committee convenor Liz Bulger says. "However, the changes have been a long time coming and lawyers providing criminal legal aid have been seriously struggling with the overall economic…

Proposed statement of claim changes concern NZLS

The New Zealand Law Society says it is concerned about the potential adverse effects of changes proposed by the Rules Committee for striking out statements of claim before service. The Committee's paper Consultation on Striking out Statements of Claim before Service proposes  a new rule to specify a procedure for a statement…

Some questions raised by employment mediation service proposals

The New Zealand Law Society has recommended that proposed changes to MBIE's employment mediation services  be trialed in one or more regional centres before being rolled out nationally. In comments on MBIE's proposals, the Law Society says prompt, locally provided mediation services are fundamental to resolving employment disputes effectively and efficiently…