Membership FAQs

Why should I be a member of the New Zealand Law Society?

The Law Society is the only organisation that represents lawyers nationwide with three sections and 13 branches across the motu. More than 10,500 lawyers (60% of the profession) have chosen to be members.

We represent all lawyers on crucial matters of access to justice and rule of law. We are the trusted advocate on issues affecting the profession and we have strong relationships with government. We are a trusted provider of professional development and education.

Being a member of the Law Society is an investment in your professional development, your network and credibility.

Join today to access the following benefits:

• Membership to a Section (Family Law, Property Law and ILANZ – and more over time)
• Up to 30% off full price CLE and Law Society education as well as savings on networking events and preferential access to specialist resources 
• Offers and discounts including for banking, insurance, accommodation and travel, and retail through our Partner Programme. 
• Access to services that help you connect, grow, learn, and stay informed
• Membership is complimentary for lawyers in the first two years of practice. 

See our full list of membership benefits

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Who can become a member?

Lawyers who hold a current practising certificate can be a full member of the Law Society.

We also offer Associate Membership for people who have close links to the legal profession. Associate Membership does not carry any entitlement to practise. 

Find out more about Associate Membership.

What does membership include?

Key benefits include: 

• Membership to a Section of your choice – Family Law, Property Law and ILANZ. You may join more than one Section for $115 +GST per section
• Complimentary membership for lawyers in their first two years of practice
• Advocacy and voice for the profession 
• Member savings of 30% on CPD and education.
• Support and access to quality education, networking and other opportunities through your local branch -  a network of 13 branches across the motu) 
• Listing on publicly searchable database Find a Lawyer
• Exclusive member offers and discounts through our Partner Programme 

View our full list of membership benefits.

When can I join?

You can join at any time. Membership is the same price all year – we do not provide pro-rata rates.

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How much does it cost?

The membership year is from 1 July to 30 June.

Full membership  
2025/26: $300 + GST

2026/27: $330 + GST 

Membership is complimentary for all lawyers in their first two years of practice. Membership includes membership to one section (Family Law Section, Property Law Section, or ILANZ).  Eligibility criteria apply. Additional section membership is $115 plus GST.

Join now

Associate membership
2025/26: $150 + GST

2026/27: $155 + GST 

Find out more about Associate Membership.

Join now

What do I miss out on if I’m not a member?

Non-members do not have access to discounted rates for branch and CLE New Zealand Law Society events or the benefits available through the Partner Programme.

Non-members cannot access the technical advice, support and education offered by Sections.

Non-members are not eligible to vote in branch and Section elections.

What can non-members get access to?

Services that are funded by your practising certificate (such as libraries, counselling and mentoring) are available to the whole profession.

Non-members can still participate in our branches, but are ineligible for discounted rates for events or the opportunity to vote in branch and Section elections.

How do I pay?

If you are an existing member, we will send you a single invoice for your membership subscription and your practising certificate in May.

If you are joining for the first time, complete the application form. We will send you an invoice by email as soon as your membership application is approved.

Is there a discount for large firms and inhouse teams?

No. All lawyers pay the same flat fee. We may consider preferential tiered pricing in future years.

What does the practising fee pay for?

The practising fee funds the Law Society’s regulatory activities. Under the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006, funding received from practising certificate fees can only be spent on regulatory activities.

View a full breakdown of what the fee pays for.

Do all lawyers in an organisation need to join?

Membership is voluntary but we encourage all lawyers to join. Over 10,500 lawyers (60% of the profession) joined in the 24/25 year.

Please contact us if you would like help to register multiple lawyers from your firm at the same time. 

Why should I join the Law Society when I am already a member of another organisation representing the legal profession? 

The New Zealand Law Society is the national representative for all lawyers on the crucial matters of access to justice and rule of law. We are the trusted advocate on issues affecting the profession and we have strong relationships with government.

We have 13 branches across the motu, and we are a recognised provider of professional development and education.  Being a member of the Law Society is an investment in your professional development, your network, and credibility.

We recognise the value of other groups representing parts of the profession and work closely with many, including the Criminal Bar Association, the NZ Bar Association, Te Hunga Rōia Māori o Aotearoa, Asian Lawyers, and Pacific Lawyers Association (PLA), to achieve outcomes that benefit the entire profession. We’ll continue to work closely alongside and with them to deliver value to the profession.

Why does the Law Society need to charge a membership subscription?

Under the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006, the money that the Law Society receives from practising certificate fees can only be spent on regulatory functions, and not on services for members. Services such as law libraries, Vitae counselling, mentoring and law reform are funded from our regulatory functions.

Other member services (such as branches) were funded from the Law Society’s reserves. This was not sustainable, so we introduced an annual membership fee on 1 July 2024.  

When did the Law Society introduce a paid membership subscription?

1 July 2024.

How do I access the Partner Programme?

The Partner Programme gives Law Society members access to a wide range of discounts and savings across banking, business expenses, retail, travel and more. These are accessed through the Law Society Partner Programme app, which is only available to Law Society members.

Got an Apple iPhone or device? Download the Law Society Partner Programme app from the App store.

Using Android? Download the Law Society Partner Programme app from GooglePlay.

Read the full instructions on accessing the app

What are post nominals and how do I use them?

Post nominals can be used by members at the end of their name as part of their credentials to identify them as a current Law Society member.

Members use the post nominal MNZLS. Associate Members use Assoc.MNZLS.

We provide these to members after 1 July and once we have received the subscription payment for the new membership year.

What are member logos and how do I use them?

Member logos are available to members to promote their annual membership of the Law Society.

We provide these to members after 1 July and once we have received the subscription payment for the new membership year.

Read about member logos, guidance for using them and access your own logo.

How does membership enhance my brand? 

Law Society members can promote their membership using the Law Society member logo and post nominals, in accordance with the membership terms and conditions.  

Membership logos 

You can choose to use the member logo on your email, website or other promotional spaces as confirmation of your membership of the Law Society for as long as you are a member. Section member logos are also available for members belonging to our Property Law Section or Family Law Section. 
Your member logo is valid for the current membership year from 1 July to 30 June. 
We provide members with a new logo at the beginning of each membership year, starting 1 July, to signify your current membership.   

Post nominals

Members can choose to add the post nominal MLNZ following their name as part of their credentials.  Associate members can use the post nominal Assoc.MNZLS. 
Members can use the post nominal MNZLS and Associate Members can  use Assoc.MNZLS.