New Zealand Law Society - Making Connections
Research has shown that positive social interactions – whether with whānau, friends, or professional colleagues – can help make us feel happy, connected and secure. To that end, the Law Society provides several ways for members of the profession to make connections with one another. We encourage you to take advantage of them.
Solving the problems of others is an integral part of being a lawyer. Sometimes, lawyers need help too, and often it can help to speak to someone who understands the pressures of life as a lawyer. This can include specific situations you are unsure about or even what to expect in a legal workplace more generally.
The National Friends Panel is comprised of lawyers who can be contacted on a confidential, pro bono basis with questions or concerns relating to practice issues.
Members of the Family Law Section may want to speak confidentially to a fellow family lawyer. The Family Law Friends Panel contains more than 75 senior family lawyers who have volunteered to listen and assist on legal, personal, or career issues.
Our 13 branches each organise local events that range from seminars to panel discussions to annual dinners. Our three specialty law sections (for property, family, and in-house lawyers) arrange similar events. You can find out what’s coming up by visiting your branch’s or section’s webpage. You can also learn about national-level conferences and other events on the Law Society’s Events page.
Mentoring is an informal and voluntary way of networking and learning. Whether you’re looking for support or want to give back, our Mentoring Programme is a free way to connect with other lawyers and support each other professionally, wherever you are in New Zealand.