Changes to the Intervention Rule came into effect on 1 July 2015. Barristers can apply to the New Zealand Law Society for approval to accept instructions directly from clients without an instructing solicitor, so long as that is not precluded by the forum or the type of work.

Rules 3.4 to 3.10 and 14.4 to 14.13 of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Acts (Lawyers: Conduct and Client Care) Rules 2008 have been be replaced under the new intervention rule.

The Law Society has provided information and resources to enable barristers and instructing solicitors to understand the changes and to operate under this environment. Details of the requirements and conditions are summarised as follows:

For further information or if you have any queries, email regulatory@lawsociety.org.nz.