Feedback sought: Access to student loans and allowances for Professional Legal Studies courses

The recent re-classification of training providers by the Government means the Professional Legal Studies course (known as Profs) will need to be developed as a Qualification on the NZ Qualifications and Credits Framework, in order to ensure continued access to student support (loan/allowances) beyond 2024.

Complaints system overhaul supported – further consideration needed

Recommendations that the Law Society’s complaints system be changed with the intent of reducing the amount of time spent on less serious matters have been accepted in principle, with some additional recommendations requiring further consideration. The General Manager of Professional Standards (Regulatory) Gareth Smith explains, “The Law Society has…

Library suggestion not practical

The Law Society’s response to the Independent Review has noted that given the significant cost of running libraries, the suggestion that they become a wholly representative function is unlikely to be a practical option. Law Society Library services are currently funded from practising certificate fees and income generated from…

Te Tiriti obligation on regulator, not lawyers

The recommendation that the regulator be subject to an obligation to give effect to the principles of Te Tiriti has been accepted in principle by a majority of Law Society Council members. When the Independent Review Report was released in March, some commentary suggested that the obligations would apply to…

Lawyers could be getting more out of their libraries

The New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa is proud of the extensive Library services it offers its members, operating three Libraries across the motu as well as providing practitioners with access to a wealth of online resources and support. However, Library staff are finding that many lawyers…

Shawn McManus becomes an Associate at Gresson Dorman & Co

Gresson Dorman & Co have announced the promotion of Shawn McManus to Associate.

Sarah Leslie becomes a Principal - Kaihautū at Luke Cunningham Clere

Luke Cunningham Clere has announced the appointment of Sarah Leslie as a Principal – Kaihautū.

Pacific Lawyers Association – A voice for Pasifika lawyers and Pacific issues in the law

As the Pacific Lawyers Association approaches its 22nd year representing the interests of Pacific Lawyers in Aotearoa New Zealand, it is timely to draw awareness to the objectives and work of this group. Member Lawyer and education advocate for Pacific Lawyers, Wiliame Gucake, shares his insights into what the Association offers…

Applications open for the 2023 New Zealand Law Foundation Cleary Memorial Prize

The Law Society is taking applications for the 2023 New Zealand Law Foundation Cleary Memorial Prize.

Law Society seeks improvements to Taxation Principles Reporting Bill

The Law Society appeared before the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee on 15 June to present its submission on the Taxation Principles Reporting Bill. Neil Russ, Convenor of the Tax Law Committee, outlined several significant issues with the Bill, including the failure to follow the Generic Tax Policy Process (GTPP)…