New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa

About the Law Society
The New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa is the regulator and membership organisation for the approximately 16,000 barristers and solicitors practising in New Zealand. We are a national organisation with branch offices throughout the country, serving as the Kaitiaki (guardian) of the practice of law in Aotearoa New Zealand and the consumers of legal services.

Lawyers Standards Committees consider and make decisions on complaints about lawyers. Part 7 of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006 sets out the requirements for complaints and discipline, and sections 126-189 govern the functions, duties, and powers of Standards Committees.

About the role
We are looking to appoint new lawyer members to our Nelson Standards Committee. Lawyers with strong criminal experience, and practitioners with experience in the civil courts and public law sphere are specifically encouraged to express their interest.

Meetings are convened in person, but we may allow the committee member to attend virtually (Microsoft Teams) and expressions of interest are welcomed from practitioners nationwide.

Eligibility
To be eligible for appointment as a lawyer member on a Standards Committee a person must have practised as a lawyer for a period or periods aggregating at least five years. Appointments are made by the Board of the New Zealand Law Society. Candidates must also be of good character and possess the skill, experience and judgement needed to deal with complaints and make appropriate decisions. 

There is preparatory work involved and meetings are usually monthly. This is a voluntary role although expenses will be reimbursed.

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 expressions of interest from a diverse range of backgrounds.

For further information about the role see the position description or contact Jesney Te Puke, Professional Standards Officer of Nelson Standards Committee at jesney.tepuke@lawsociety.org.nz

How to express your interest
If you would like to express your interest, please complete the expression of interest form and submit this together with your current CV to jesney.tepuke@lawsociety.org.nz stating “Lawyer Member Application” in the subject line.

Or send to:

Jesney Te Puke
New Zealand Law Society
Canterbury Westland Branch
P O Box 565
Christchurch 8140
DX WX10074 

The closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm, Wednesday 1 May 2024.