New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa

The judiciary is seeking feedback on draft protocols for remote participation by defendants in custody, in the District Court and the High Court.   To enable the profession to provide initial feedback and ask questions, Judge Nicholls and Justice Fitzgerald will be hosting an online session next Thursday 10 April, 1.15PM – 2.15PM.   If you would like to attend, please email lawreform@lawsociety.org.nz to register. Please feel free to include any questions you would like to ask.   The Protocols have been developed to help guide judicial decision-making on whether court hearings should be held remotely or in person. They establish key features of remote participation and provide guidelines for the judiciary, and in turn greater clarity for other justice sector partners, for the type of hearings in which remote participation by defendants in custody is appropriate.

Join us for the Advanced Litigation Skills Programme from 15 -19 June at Atura Wellington. This practical, interactive course is for practitioners with at least six years of civil or criminal law experience. Attendees will develop their advocacy skills with activities including working with senior counsel in small groups, learning by doing and observing, and learning how to get the best from the witness. Attendance at this five-day, non-residential course is $5,100. Law Society members are eligible for a 30% discount. When applying, log in to the CLE website https://lnkd.in/gjJcbZGf with your username and password to receive the member pricing.   The closing date for applications is 5pm, Thursday 1 May. Enrolments are restricted to 27 participants only. Not a Law Society member? Join us today https://lnkd.in/gDdzgJEc 

The latest edition of LawTalk is out now! Our 'Outlook for 2025' Autumn issue explores legal developments in 2025, the long-overdue legal aid review, mental health initiatives, law reform and advocacy. In this issue, LawTalk interviews six different professionals practising across different areas of law, to get their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities ahead. From shifting regulations to the pressures of increasing workloads, they share their insights on what matters most in their fields, how they’re adapting, and what gives them optimism as they look ahead. Read the full issue https://lnkd.in/gekuBzEB Chris Macklin, Maria Dew KC, Felicity Monteiro, Richard Smith, Vicki Morrison-Shaw, Mark Sherry, Horiana Irwin-Easthope, Natalie Coates Benjamin Jacobs #LawTalk #AutumnEdition #LegalProfessionals 

A heartfelt thank you to our speakers, sponsors, and delegates who made the 2025 New Zealand Law Society Otago Southland Conference a resounding success. Held in Queenstown Tāhuna, this event brought together leading minds from the legal profession and beyond.   The conference featured insightful discussions led by esteemed members of the judiciary, experienced barristers, solicitors, academics, and health professionals. Attendees explored topics such as AML compliance, the impact of AI on the legal sector, high-tech stalking and strategies for overcoming clinical depression and burnout, among other pressing issues facing the profession.   With over 100 delegates in attendance, the two-day event provided opportunities for networking and professional growth. A highlight of the conference was the scenic boat journey across Lake Wakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw to dinner at Walter Peak.   #otagosouthlandconference2025 #legalprofession #networkingevent 

With the end of the CPD year fast approaching, lawyers can make their CPD declaration at any time once they’ve met their CPD requirements https://lnkd.in/gVQfkaun CPD declarations are due within five working days of Monday, 31 March 2025. This year, the final day to make the 2024/25 CPD declaration on time is Monday, 7 April 2025. For any questions about CPD or CPD requirements, please refer to the FAQs or contact the CPD team at cpdinquiries@lawsociety.org.nz Make your CPD declaration today https://lnkd.in/gwf2p-Ju

The New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa acknowledges the passing of the Hon. Nicholas Davidson KC, a highly respected legal professional whose contributions to the law and the Law Society spanned decades. He passed away on 8 March 2025, aged 76. Mr Davidson was a distinguished barrister and later a High Court judge, known for his intelligence, fairness, and deep commitment to justice. His service to the Law Society was significant, including roles as a Canterbury District Law Society Council Member, Chair of the Canterbury-Westland District Disciplinary Tribunal, and on the Management Committee of the Solicitors Fidelity Fund Management. Law Society President Frazer Barton said Mr Davidson brought an unmatched level of professionalism to everything he did. "Nick was always a pleasure to deal with, no matter the context. He had a remarkable ability to master the subject matter at hand, making him both a formidable advocate and a respected adjudicator. He will be deeply missed by the profession." Read the full obituary https://lnkd.in/gRMYcBnb