New Zealand Law Society - Newsroom

Newsroom

Applications now open - Paris Bar - Stage International 2025

The Law Society is taking applications for Stage International. Since 1991 the Paris Bar has hosted an eight-week traineeship known as Stage International which attracts young French-speaking foreign lawyers from all over the world.

Supporting International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is on Saturday 8 March, and the Law Society is supporting the Ministry for Women’s efforts to help reduce New Zealand’s gender pay gap.
Not Admissible: A Discussion on Lawyers’ Mental Health

Not Admissible: A Discussion on Lawyers’ Mental Health

Law Society Chief Executive Katie Rusbatch was part of a panel discussion about mental health in New Zealand’s legal profession earlier this week. Hosted by Minister for Mental Health Hon Matt Doocey and the Life Squared Trust, in association with the Law Society, Ms Rusbatch was joined by clinical psychologist…

New process to improve visibility of dependent children in courts

A new operational process will begin on 3 March 2025 to improve information available to the criminal court about the existence of dependent children. The initiative aims to ensure the court is aware when a primary caregiver is facing a potential custodial remand or sentence, allowing for more informed decision-making…

On the move See all

Holland Beckett announces new hires

Holland Beckett expands with several new hires in the first quarter of 2025. 

BE Employment Law welcomes Gordon Gore

The team at BE Employment Law has welcomed a new member.

DTI Lawyers welcomes three new solicitors

Charlotte Brook joins Kate Sheppard Chambers

Sam De La Mare joins BE Employment Law

Holland Beckett welcomes finance specialist Matt Mazenier

Obituaries See all

The Honourable Nicholas Davidson KC

The Honourable Nicholas Davidson KC

The New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa acknowledges with deep respect and gratitude the passing of the Honourable Nicholas Richard William Davidson KC, a distinguished member of the legal profession whose contributions to the law and the Law Society spanned decades. He passed away on 8 March…
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Tribute to Robert Ludbrook, ONZM

Tribute to Robert Ludbrook, ONZM

Robert Ludbrook ONZM passed away in October, after giving a lifetime of service to fighting injustice. He sought to make sure the most vulnerable in our society have access to effective legal services. His achievements were many and hugely significant, stretching over decades – here are a few select highlights.
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Rt Hon Sir Michael Hardie Boys GNZM GCMG QSO KStJ PC

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Dame Alison: a pioneer for women in law

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Dr. David Graham McGee, CNZM, LLD, KC

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Law Society remembers Len Andersen KC

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Advocacy in Action See all

Law Society urges Government action over Minister’s Judiciary comments

The Law Society has urged the Government to make a clear, public statement reminding all Ministers of their obligations and duties in respect of the judiciary, and the consequences that will likely follow if those obligations continue to be breached. Following reports of Hon Shane Jones’ comments about High Court Judge,…

Law Society welcomes Select Committee report on Firearms Prohibition Orders Legislation Amendment Bill

The New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa recently submitted on the Firearms Prohibition Orders Legislation Amendment Bill. Last week the Justice Select Committee reported back on the Bill, accepting six of the Law Society’s eight recommendations.

Law Society submits on the Sentencing (Reinstating Three Strikes) Amendment Bill

Law Society welcomes Select Committee report on Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill

Law Society makes recommendations to improve Fast-track Approvals Bill

Attacks on judges risk weakening the justice system

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Honourable Rex Mason Prize for Legal Writing 2023

The Honourable Rex Mason Prize for Legal Writing was again competed for in 2023. The prize is managed by the Wellington branch of the Law Society, as trustee for the Honourable Rex Mason Trust.

Winner of the 2023 New Zealand Law Foundation Cleary Memorial Prize

Oliver Fredrickson has been announced as the winner of the 2023 Cleary Memorial Prize
“Your work matters” - Family Law Conference success

“Your work matters” - Family Law Conference success

Four hundred and eighty-six people attended the two-day Family Law conference in Christchurch last week. Organised by NZLS CLE with a theme of connection, it was the first in-person conference for two years that lawyers from across the motu could attend and included a rich variety of presentations, break-out sessions…

In case you missed it: Independent Review and freelance practising model

A new freelance practising model was one of the recommendations from the Independent Review, but the Law Society says that further consideration would be needed to ensure a balance of greater flexibility with appropriate mechanisms to protect consumers.
Law Society’s Esera and Rusbatch named Elite Women

Law Society’s Esera and Rusbatch named Elite Women

The New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa would like to congratulate both its Vice President (Wellington) Ataga’i Esera, and Chief Executive Katie Rusbatch and on their inclusion in NZ Lawyer magazine’s Elite Women list for 2023.

Governance at the Law Society

The New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa (the Law Society) is seeking feedback on potential changes to its Constitution.

Expressions of interest sought for arbitrators and mediators

The New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa and the Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand (AMINZ) are seeking expressions of interest from those who have arbitration or mediation experience, and who wish to be considered for appointment by either organisation. In particular we are looking for…

Costs of practice survey released

A survey looking at the costs of running a legal practice has been sent to all law firms, sole practitioners, and barristers across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Law Society Council gives green light to new membership strategy

Tēnā koutou I wanted to briefly update you on the new strategy for our representative function that will deliver more benefits for members in an enduring way. Last week the Law Society Council has indicated its support of progressing the strategy further. The proposed new representative strategy, which seeks to deliver…

Regional Library Kiosk Services

North Shore District Court in Albany, Auckland, has now re-opened the library kiosk and lawyers’ room in a new space as part of its ongoing remediation works. The new location is gaining favour with local lawyers who find the access more convenient, despite the room being a little smaller. With…
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