The Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006 introduced a number of significant changes to the practice of law in New Zealand. One of those areas of change is that, from 1 August 2008, the Conduct and Client Care Rules came into effect and lawyers are required to provide specific information to clients. We are required to provide our clients with information regarding the way in which we will charge fees, the arrangements we have in place for professional indemnity insurance and the procedures we have in place to deal with any complaints.

In general terms the purpose of the new Rules is to ensure that, whatever legal services we are providing, we must:

¤ Act competently, in a timely manner, and in accordance with the 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 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.

We hold indemnity insurance that meets or exceeds the minimum standards specified by the Law Society. In addition, you may be protected by the Fidelity Fund maintained and managed by the New Zealand Law Society