The Independent Review Panel is working on a discussion paper that will be released in early June, which will be followed by a series of virtual and in-person engagement events over the following months to ensure wide consultation with all stakeholders but particularly the profession.
The message is clear - please engage through your sections, branches and interest groups to give feedback.
Law Society President Jacque Lethbridge says, “It is vital that the profession seizes the opportunity to proactively participate in the review, and I encourage you all to engage and participate to ensure the full voice of our profession is heard from all practice areas. The Independent Review will allow us to truly scrutinise our structure, to analyse the legislation and rules covering all lawyers and determine whether they’re fit-for-purpose.” The message is clear - please engage through your sections, branches and interest groups to give feedback.
Panel Chair Ron Paterson reports, “Our work is progressing well and we have held a number of initial conversations with stakeholders throughout the profession. The Panel members are genuinely enthused about this once-in-a-generation opportunity to explore what a modern and well-functioning legal profession might look like in Aotearoa New Zealand, and how the legislative and regulatory framework might best support that vision.”
A final report is due to the Law Society by the end of the year and time is of the essence for the profession to engage so its full voice is reflected in any recommendations. More information can be found on the Review Panel’s website at: The regulation of lawyers and legal services in Aotearoa New Zealand | Te pae whiritahi i te korowai rato ture o Aotearoa.