Lawyer Member For Central Standards Committee

About the Law Society
The New Zealand Law Society | Te Kahui Ture o Aotearoa (NZLS) is the professional body for barristers and solicitors in New Zealand. The Law Society regulates all lawyers practicing in New Zealand and is the membership organisation for practicing lawyers. With 13 branch offices throughout the country, the Law Society is the Kaitiaki (guardian) of the public, the profession and the law of Aotearoa New Zealand.
About the role
We are looking to appoint a lawyer member for the Central Standards Committee 2, an Early Resolution Service Committee based in Wellington.
The Early Resolution Service (ERS) was established to introduce a faster and more flexible resolution process for complaints considered less serious. When a complaint goes to ERS, the parties are either invited to explore resolution by negotiation, or the standards committee may make a finding of no further action.
Meetings are convened in person and applications are welcomed from the Wellington area. Lawyers Standards Committees consider and determine complaints about lawyers. Part 7 of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006 sets out the requirements for complaints and discipline, and sections 126 to 189 govern the functions, duties and powers of Standards Committees.
To be eligible for appointment as a lawyer member on a Standards Committee a person must have practised as a lawyer for a period or periods aggregating at least five years. Appointments are made by the Board of the New Zealand Law Society. Candidates must also be of good character and possess the skill, experience and judgement needed to deal with complaints and make appropriate decisions.
The ideal applicant for will have Family Law experience.
There is some preparatory work involved and meetings are held fortnightly. This is a voluntary role although expenses will be reimbursed.
The New Zealand Law Society is committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion and to recognising the bicultural foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand. We wish to ensure that Lawyers Standards Committees represent the society that the legal profession serves and encourage applications from a diverse range of backgrounds.
For further information about the role see the position description.
For a confidential discussion, additional information please contact Sophie Kinsella, Team Leader Early Resolution Service – @ or 04 889 4495.
If you would like to apply please complete the Expression of interest form and submit this together with your cover letter and CV to recruitment@.