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Feedback invited on Terms of Reference for review of legal services

April 30, 2021 at 2:30 PM

From the NZFVC

The Law Society is consulting on the proposed focus for an independent review of the rules and law that govern legal services.

The New Zealand Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa is asking for feedback on the draft Terms of Reference for the Independent Review of the statutory framework for legal services in Aotearoa New Zealand. This consultation is focused only on the Terms of Reference. There will be another consultation later this year as part of the review process.

The closing date to give feedback on the draft Terms of Reference is 20 May 2021.

The draft Terms of Reference outline the proposed terms for an independent review, commissioned by the New Zealand Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa. The review will look at the framework for the regulation and representation of legal services in Aotearoa New Zealand. This will include the structure and functions of the Law Society. The Terms will determine what issues will be considered in the review. The draft Terms outline the proposed drivers for the review:

"– the constraints the current Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006 places on the Law Society’s ability to be transparent about its complaints process, and to deal with a broad range of unacceptable behaviour, including complaints of sexual harassment and bullying within the profession.

– the importance of ensuring the statutory framework, particularly those areas for which the Law Society is responsible, is fit for purpose now that the Act is over a decade old.

– the opportunity to look ahead at what is needed to ensure competition and innovation in the legal profession and strengthen the profession’s commitment to the bi-cultural foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand."

The Law Society website states:

"This is an ambitious review, with the potential to result in significant change to how legal services are regulated, including the conduct of lawyers, and how the profession is represented."

You can give feedback on the Terms through an anonymous online survey.

There will be further consultation as part of the review. A reviewer has not yet been appointed. For questions contact the Law Society at independentreview@lawsociety.org.nz.

Click here for more information



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