Special advocate possible in some exceptional national security proceedings

The New Zealand Law Society says the protection of national security could sometimes justify the use of a special advocate as a last resort in some cases where national security information is kept from affected parties. The Law Society has released its comments on the Law Commission Issues Paper National Security Information in Proceedings. The Law Commission…

Time to speak out on Nauru situation, says Law Society

The rule of law is seriously under threat in Nauru and the Nauruan government’s recent actions need to be highlighted, the New Zealand Law Society says. “The Law Society considers it is time to speak out because democracy is quickly vanishing in one of New Zealand’s Pacific neighbours,” Law Society Rule…

Kenneth Yee struck off roll

Former Auckland lawyer Kenneth Yee has been struck off the roll of barristers and solicitors by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal. The tribunal found that Mr Yee had misused client funds in two ways. As a law firm employee he diverted $95,706 of fees to companies he was…

Andrew Pine suspended from legal practice

Former Wellington solicitor Andrew Pine has admitted a charge of misconduct and been suspended by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal for four months from 26 June 2015.  Mr Pine self-reported his misconduct to the New Zealand Law Society. This included inserting a false date on a family trust…

Amendment needed to maintain accuracy of NZBN Register

Without a requirement for businesses to maintain the accuracy of their information on the New Zealand Business Number Register, there is a danger that the Register will become out of date, the New Zealand Law Society says. In a submission on the New Zealand Business Number Bill, the Law Society says…

Choosing a Lawyer: Invitation to complete our short survey

The New Zealand Law Society is looking at the ways in which people choose a lawyer to act for them. Visitors to our website are invited to complete a short (5-minute) survey from their own experiences.  The survey looks at what influenced people in choosing a lawyer and the sort of information…

Time-blocking judicial lists supported where appropriate

The New Zealand Law Society says it supports extending time-blocking of Judge and Community Magistrates lists across District Courts, where the particular court considers it appropriate for its size and nature. The Law Society has provided the Ministry of Justice with feedback from criminal practitioners following a ministry request about the…

The rule of law is alive and well in New Zealand

The rule of law remains a fundamental driver of our society 800 years after Magna Carta was signed on 19 June 1215, the New Zealand Law Society says. The convenor of the Law Society’s Rule of Law Committee, Austin Forbes QC, says Magna Carta remains today as a powerful symbol of…

John Marshall QC calmly led profession through change

John Marshall QC calmly and resolutely led New Zealand’s legal profession through significant changes and with his death New Zealand has lost an outstanding lawyer, New Zealand Law Society President Chris Moore says. Mr Marshall died in Wellington on 14 June aged 68 after a long illness. Mr Moore says Mr Marshall…

Sir Peter Williams QC, 1934 - 2015

New Zealanders have lost a powerful and courageous advocate with the death of Sir Peter Williams QC, New Zealand Law Society President Chris Moore has said. Mr Moore says Sir Peter exemplified many of the qualities which people who needed a lawyer looked for. “He wrote a book called A Passion for…