Below you will find the information we, as lawyers, are required to provide to our clients, pursuant to the Lawyers: Conduct and Client Care Rules, in accordance with the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006.

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Fees

The basis on which fees will be charged is set out in our Letter of Engagement. When payment of fees is to be made is set out in our Terms of Engagement.  We may deduct from any funds held on your behalf in our trust account any fees, expenses or disbursements for which we have provided an invoice.

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Professional indemnity insurance

We hold professional indemnity insurance that meets or exceeds the minimum standards specified by the New Zealand Law Society.

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Lawyers' Fidelity Fund

The New Zealand Law Society maintains the Lawyers’ Fidelity Fund for the purposes of providing clients of lawyers with protection against pecuniary loss arising from theft by lawyers.  The maximum amount payable by the Fidelity Fund by way of compensation to an individual claimant is limited to $100,000.  Except in certain circumstances specified in the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006, the Fidelity Fund does not cover a client for any loss relating to money that a lawyer is instructed to invest on behalf of the client.

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Complaints

We maintain a procedure for handling any complaints by clients, designed to ensure that a complaint is dealt with promptly and fairly.  If you have a complaint about our services or charges, you may refer your complaint to the person in our firm who has overall responsibility for your work.  If you do not wish to refer your complaint to that person, or you are not satisfied with that person's response to your complaint, you may refer your complaint to any other director of the firm.  Our directors' contact details can be found here.

 

The Law Society also operates the Lawyers Complaints Service and you are able to make a complaint to that service.  To do so, phone 0800 261 801 and you will be connected to the nearest Complaints Service office, which can provide information and advice about making a complaint.

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Persons responsible for your work

The names and status of the people who will have overall responsibility for the services we provide to you are set out in our Letter of Engagement.

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Client care and service

Whatever legal services we provide, we must:

• Act competently, in a timely way, and in accordance with instructions received and arrangements made.

• Protect and promote your interests and act for you free from compromising influences or loyalties.

• Discuss with you your objectives and how they should best be achieved.

• Provide you with information about the work to be done, who will do it and the way the services will be provided.

• Charge you a fee that is fair and reasonable and let you know how and when you will be billed.

• Give you clear information and advice.

• Protect your privacy and ensure appropriate confidentiality.

• Treat you fairly, respectfully and without discrimination.

• Keep you informed about the work being done and advise you when it is completed.

• Let you know how to make a complaint and deal with any complaint promptly and fairly.

 

The obligations owed by lawyers to their clients are described in the Lawyers: Conduct and Client Care Rules. Such obligations are subject to other overriding duties owed by lawyers, including duties to the courts and to the justice system.

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If you have any questions, please visit www.lawsociety.org.nz or call the New Zealand Law Society on 0800 261 801.

 

Limits on extent or obligations of our liability

Any limitations on the extent of our obligations to you or any limitation or exclusion of liability are set out in our Letter of Engagement and our Terms of Engagement.