The NZLS performs a "critical role" in supporting lawyers and promoting access to justice
This article was provided by The New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa
The New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa is calling on lawyers to pre-register now to remain a member for the 2024-25 year.
Chief Executive Katie Rusbatch says the Law Society's new membership offer means lawyers will get the same great service with even more value.
More than 16,000 lawyers are currently members of the Law Society and receive membership services at no cost (unless they are a member of the Family or Property Law Sections).
“We’ve received positive feedback from lawyers who are telling us that they see real value in the services we provide for what they consider is a modest subscription,” she says. Rusbatch says the Law Society delivers real value to the profession throughout the country.
“The Law Society is a strong voice and trusted advocate for access to justice and rule of law across the motu.”
Rusbatch says that the Law Society is the only national organisation that represents and advocates for all of the profession.
“We work for the interests of the profession through our advocacy for access to justice and the rule of law,” she says. “This can range from providing feedback on proposed law changes to advocating for increased rates for duty lawyers.”
The branches and sections offer a wide range of opportunities for lawyers to meet, connect, share their experiences, and learn from each other and experts.
“We have 13 branches from the top of the north to the bottom of the south and we know that the support and services our branches offer are deeply valued by lawyers,” says Rusbatch.
“We also perform a critical role in providing lawyers with the most up-to-date information and advice across all aspects of the law.”
Rusbatch says that the Law Society offers support, advice and guidance on health and wellbeing, career, complaints, practice area and technical issues.
“We are there for lawyers when it really matters,” she says.
From 1 July, for the 2024-25 year, an annual membership subscription will cost $290 +GST (including membership to one Law Society Section). Lawyers in their first two years of practising will receive free membership.
The full offer, which has been developed with input from the profession, can be found on the Law Society’s website.
Lawyers who are already members of the Property or Family Law Sections do not need to pre-register.
The money the Law Society receives from practising certificate fees can only be spent on regulatory matters, not on representative services for members.
Section 67(4) of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006 prohibits any cross-subsidisation, and the Law Society has separate regulatory and representative accounts.
Rusbatch says that services that are currently funded by regulatory, such as libraries, counselling, and mentoring, will continue to be available to the whole profession, regardless of membership status.
The New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa
Founded in 1869, the New Zealand Law Society, evolved into the national regulator of the legal profession in 2008. With its headquarters in Wellington and branches across the country, it provides support, training, and events for lawyers. The NZLS regulates around 15,000 lawyers, ensuring public confidence in legal services. Core regulatory services include maintaining a public register, managing complaints, and law reform advocacy. Membership offers benefits like professional development and wellbeing support.
