The New Zealand Law Society is looking for practitioners to assist on a voluntary basis in relation to the carrying out of its regulatory functions. The time required is not unduly onerous and volunteers may only be asked whether they can assist once or twice a year. Applications are welcomed from all regions around New Zealand.

Costs Assessors

Costs Assessors assist lawyers standards committees (under delegation) by providing an independent review of practitioners’ fees and producing reports expressing a view as to whether those fees are fair and reasonable. A number of relevant costing factors are taken into account. The reports assist the committees in making its decision.

Investigators

Investigators assist lawyers standards committees (under delegation) by carrying out targeted investigations into an aspect of a practitioners conduct or practice. The investigation reports assist the committee in making its decision.

Mediators

Mediators assist lawyers standards committees by undertaking the mediation of complaints referred to the Lawyers Complaints Service. ADR and mediation experience is required. Mediation can assist a complaint to be remedied on a no-fault basis where appropriate.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the above roles applicants must have at least seven years’ experience practising in New Zealand as either a barrister or barrister and solicitor. They are also required to have a clean disciplinary history. Experience in one or more of the following areas is not a pre-requisite but may be an advantage: 

• employment;
• family (including relationship property);
• property;
• civil litigation;
• trusts and estates.

Diversity and Inclusion

The New Zealand Law Society is committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion and to recognising the bicultural foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand. We wish to ensure that lawyers standards committees represent the society that the legal profession serves and encourage applications from a diverse range of backgrounds. Applications from candidates who are fluent in a second language are welcomed.

Further information and expressions of interest

For more information about the above roles, or to be considered for an appointment please contact Acting National Complaints Manager on 03 367 2811 or email an expression of interest and up to date CV to Malcolm.Ellis@lawsociety.org.nz

All applications will be assessed for suitability and matched against the particular areas of practice and needs of the relevant branch.

Applications must be received by 5:00pm, Wednesday 23 May 2018.