Preface
Client care and service information
Whatever legal services your lawyer is providing, he or she 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 lawyers owe to clients are described in the Rules of conduct and client care for lawyers (the rules). Those obligations are subject to other overriding duties, including duties to the courts and to the justice system.
If you have any questions, please visit www.lawsociety.org.nz or call 0800 261 801.
Notes about the rules
This publication includes—
The rules are based on the fundamental obligations of lawyers set out in section 4 of the Act, namely—
to uphold the rule of law and to facilitate the administration of justice in New Zealand:
to be independent in providing regulated services to clients:
to act in accordance with all fiduciary duties and duties of care owed by lawyers to their clients:
to protect, subject to overriding duties as officers of the High Court and to duties under any enactment, the interests of clients.
The rules are not an exhaustive statement of the conduct expected of lawyers. They set the minimum standards that lawyers must observe and are a reference point for discipline. A charge of misconduct or unsatisfactory conduct may be brought and a conviction may be obtained despite the charge not being based on a breach of any specific rule, nor on a breach of some other rule or regulation made under the Act.
Orders of a disciplinary nature may be made by the Disciplinary Tribunal against a lawyer on the grounds set out in section 241 of the Act, namely where there has been a finding of misconduct, unsatisfactory conduct, negligence, or incompetence, or in certain circumstances a conviction for an offence punishable by imprisonment. If a standards committee has determined that there has been unsatisfactory conduct, the standards committee can make a variety of orders as set out in section 156 of the Act.
Misconduct and unsatisfactory conduct are defined in section 6 of the Act. Wilful or reckless contravention of the Act or of these rules or other practice rules or regulations made under the Act is misconduct under section 7(1)(a)(ii). A contravention that is not wilful or reckless is unsatisfactory conduct under section 12(c).
The complaints and disciplinary process that may be invoked in the event of a breach of these rules is set out in Part 7 of the Act and in separate rules or regulations.
These Rules of conduct and client care for lawyers have been made by the New Zealand Law Society and approved by the Minister of Justice in accordance with Part 6 of the Act. In particular, these are the rules required by sections 94(e), (j), and (o) and 95 and authorised by section 336 of the Act, which provide for or relate to—
standards of conduct and client care:
the requirement that lawyers provide clients in advance with information on the principal aspects of client service:
the kinds of conduct for which a lawyer or former lawyer may be disciplined:
conditional fee agreements.
The rules are binding on all lawyers and former lawyers under section 107(1) of the Act. Accordingly, they apply to all lawyers, whether they work in private practice as barristers and solicitors or as barristers sole or as in-house lawyers in the private or public sector. Some rules apply only to particular kinds of work.
To the extent appropriate, these rules define the bounds within which a lawyer may practise. Within those bounds, each lawyer needs to be guided by his or her own sense of professional responsibility. The preservation of the integrity and reputation of the profession is the responsibility of every lawyer.
Lawyers may seek guidance on the application or interpretation of these rules from the Law Society's Ethics Committee.
These rules are registered with the Registrar of Companies in accordance with section 102(1) of the Act.
| Rules of conduct and client care for lawyers |
| Contents | | Page |
Chapter 1—Introduction
Title and commencement
Interpretation
General
- Conduct for which lawyer may be disciplined
- Nature of rules
- Provision of information
- Electronic provision of information | |
9
9
9
10
10
11
11
11 |
Chapter 2—Rule of law and administration of justice
Proper purpose
Assisting in fraud or crime
Certificates
Threats
Reporting misconduct
Unauthorised practice of law | |
11
12
12
12
13
13
13 |
Chapter 3—Competence and client service
Respect and courtesy
Provision of information
Complaints mechanisms
Continuing education
Retainers entered into prior to 1 August 2008 | |
14
14
14
16
16
16 |
Chapter 4—Availability of lawyers to public
and retainers
Refusing instructions
Duty to complete retainer
Client terminating retainer
Administration of oaths and declarations | | 17 |
17
17
19
20 |
Chapter 5—Independence
Independent judgement and advice
Conflicting interests
Conflicting business interests
Third party conflicts of interest
Personal relationships
Gifts
Collateral rewards
Drafting instruments
Claims against lawyer | |
21
21
21
22
23
23
24
24
24
25 |
Chapter 6—Client interests
Conflicting duties
Conflicting office | |
25
25
26 |
| Chapter 7—Disclosure and communication of information to clients | | 27 |
| |
Chapter 8—Confidential information
Duration of duty of confidence
When disclosure is required
When disclosure is permitted
Use of confidential information prohibited
Other confidential information | |
28
28
29
29
30
31 |
Chapter 9—Fees
Reasonable fee factors
Fee agreements
Fees in advance
Fee information and advice
Final account
Lawyers undertaking work of real estate agents
Conditional fee agreements
Conditional fee statement
Fee sharing | |
32
32
33
33
33
33
34
34
35
35 |
Chapter 10—Professional dealings
Respect and courtesy
Communicating with another lawyer's client
Undertakings
Payments
Fees of other lawyers
Making recordings | |
35
35
36
37
37
38
38 |
Chapter 11—Proper professional practice
Misleading and deceptive conduct
Direct solicitation
Supervision and management
Prevention of crime or fraud | |
38
39
39
39
39 |
Chapter 12—Third parties
Third party fees | |
40
40 |
Chapter 13—Lawyers as officers of court
Duty of fidelity to court
Protection of court processes
Informed instructions
Alternatives to litigation
Independence in litigation
Lawyer as witness
Reputation of other parties
Discovery and privilege
Presenting evidence and witnesses
Submissions on law
Duties of prosecution lawyer
Duties of defence lawyer | |
40
40
40
41
41
42
43
43
44
44
47
47
47 |
Chapter 14—Barristers
Practice as barrister sole
Intervention rule
Direct instructions
General | |
49
49
49
50
51 |
Chapter 15—In-house lawyers
Nature of engagement
Practice as in-house lawyer | |
52
52
53 |
Chapter 16—Real estate services
Notification to Law Society
Fees
Prohibition against acting for another party | |
54
54
54
55 |
Chapter 1
Introduction
Title and commencement
1 These rules are the Rules of conduct and client care for lawyers.
1.1 These rules come into force on 1 August 2008.
Interpretation
1.2 In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires,—
barrister sole means a lawyer who acts only as a barrister and not as a solicitor and who is the holder of a current practising certificate authorising the lawyer to act as a barrister and not as a barrister and solicitor
close personal relationship includes, but is not limited to, the relationships of parents and children, siblings, spouses, civil union partners, and the relationship between persons living together as partners on a domestic basis
court means a court or tribunal before which a lawyer may appear
independent advice means advice given by a lawyer who,—
For the purposes of this rule, where a person resides or has a place of business in an overseas country, the term lawyer includes a member of the legal profession of the relevant country
informed consent means consent given by the client after the matter in respect of which the consent is sought and the material risks of and alternatives to the proposed course of action have been explained to the client and the lawyer believes, on reasonable grounds, that the client understands the issues involved
Law Society means the New Zealand Law Society
member, in relation to a practice, means and includes—
(c) in the case of an incorporated law practice, a lawyer who is a director, shareholder, or employee of the practice
practice means a law practice, whether conducted by 1 lawyer, a partnership of lawyers, or an incorporated law firm
public authority means any tribunal, commission, panel, board, parliamentary committee, or body, which in each case carries out a public function
real estate services means services that a lawyer or incorporated law firm provides by undertaking the work of a real estate agent
retainer means an agreement under which a lawyer undertakes to provide or does provide legal services to a client, whether that agreement is express or implied, whether recorded in writing or not, and whether payment is to be made by the client or not.
1.3 In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to a rule extends to and includes all of its subclauses and paragraphs.
General
1.4 Conduct for which lawyer may be disciplinedThe kinds of conduct, including criminal offences, for which a lawyer or former lawyer may be disciplined are as follows:
1.5 Nature of rulesThese are the rules required by section 94(e), (j), and (o) of the Act. They also constitute the code of professional conduct and client care required by section 95 of the Act and are the rules relating to conditional fee agreements authorised by section 336 of the Act.
1.6 Provision of informationAll information that a lawyer is required to provide to a client under these rules must be provided in a manner that is clear and not misleading given the identity and capabilities of the client and the nature of the information.
1.7 Electronic provision of informationA requirement in these rules to provide a client with information is satisfied by providing the information—
Unless a client otherwise instructs, an electronic form is acceptable where the information is readily accessible to the client concerned and is available for subsequent reference. This rule applies whether or not a particular rule states that information is to be given in writing.
Chapter 2
Rule of law and administration of justice
2 A lawyer is obliged to uphold the rule of law and to facilitate the administration of justice.
2.1 The overriding duty of a lawyer is as an officer of the court.
2.2 A lawyer must not attempt to obstruct, prevent, pervert, or defeat the course of justice.
Proper purpose
2.3 A lawyer must use legal processes only for proper purposes. A lawyer must not use, or knowingly assist in using, the law or legal processes for the purpose of causing unnecessary embarrassment, distress, or inconvenience to another person's reputation, interests, or occupation.
Assisting in fraud or crime
2.4 A lawyer must not advise a client to engage in conduct that the lawyer knows to be fraudulent or criminal, nor assist any person in an activity that the lawyer knows is fraudulent or criminal. A lawyer must not knowingly assist in the concealment of fraud or crime.
Certificates
2.5 A lawyer must not certify the truth of any matter to any person unless he or she believes on reasonable grounds that the matter certified is true after having taken appropriate steps to ensure the accuracy of the certification.
2.6 If a lawyer subsequently discovers that a certificate given by the lawyer was or has become inaccurate or incomplete to a material extent, the lawyer must immediately take reasonable steps to correct the certificate.
Threats
2.7 A lawyer must not threaten, expressly or by implication, to make any accusation against a person or to disclose something about any person for any improper purpose.
Reporting misconduct
2.8 Subject to the obligation on a lawyer to protect privileged communications, a lawyer who has reasonable grounds to suspect that another lawyer has been guilty of misconduct must make a confidential report to the Law Society at the earliest opportunity.
2.9 Subject to the obligation on a lawyer to protect privileged communications, a lawyer who has reasonable grounds to suspect that another lawyer has been guilty of unsatisfactory conduct may make a confidential report to the Law Society, in which case rule 2.8.1 will likewise apply.
2.10 A lawyer must not use, or threaten to use, the complaints or disciplinary process for an improper purpose.
Unauthorised practice of law
2.11 If a lawyer learns that a person is committing an offence by—
(c) providing legal services in breach of any of sections 21, 22, or 23 of the Act (which relate to persons, not being lawyers, engaging in misleading conduct regarding their right or qualifications to practise law)—
the lawyer must immediately report the matter to the Law Society and, unless it is contrary to the interests of the lawyer's client, refuse to deal with that person.
Chapter 3
Competence and client service
3 In providing regulated services to a client, a lawyer must always act competently and in a timely manner consistent with the terms of the retainer and the duty to take reasonable care.
Respect and courtesy
3.1 A lawyer must at all times treat a client with respect and courtesy and must not act in a discriminatory manner in contravention of section 21 of the Human Rights Act 1993.
3.2 A lawyer must respond to inquiries from the client in a timely manner.
3.3 A lawyer must inform the client if there are any material and unexpected delays in a matter.
Provision of information
3.4 A lawyer must, in advance, provide a client with information in writing on the principal aspects of client service including the following:
(a) the basis on which the fees will be charged, when payment of fees is to be made, and whether the fee may be deducted from funds held in trust on behalf of the client (subject to any requirement of regulation 9 or 10 of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act (Trust Account) Regulations 2008):
(b) the professional indemnity arrangements of the lawyer's practice. This obligation is met if it is disclosed that the practice holds indemnity insurance that meets or exceeds any minimum standards from time to time specified by the Law Society. If a lawyer or a practice is not indemnified, this must be disclosed in writing to the client:
3.5 A lawyer must, prior to undertaking significant work under a retainer, provide in writing to the client the following:
3.6 If information provided by a lawyer in terms of rule 3.4 or 3.5 becomes inaccurate in a material respect, the lawyer must ensure that the information is updated with due expedition. Rules 3.4 and 3.5 are complied with where a lawyer has previously provided a client with the information required and the information remains accurate.
3.7 Rules 3.4 and 3.5 do not apply—
(a) where the lawyer is instructed by another lawyer or by a member of the legal profession in an overseas country, unless the fee information or other advice is requested by the instructing lawyer or member of the legal profession, as the case may be; or
Complaints mechanisms
3.8 Each lawyer must ensure that the lawyer's practice establishes and maintains appropriate procedures for handling complaints by clients with a view to ensuring that each complaint is dealt with promptly and fairly by the practice. When a lawyer owns a sole practice, the complaints procedure may include the reference of complaints to an independent lawyer for consideration. This rule does not bind a lawyer whose status in a practice is solely that of an employee.
Continuing education
3.9 A lawyer must undertake the continuing education and professional development necessary to ensure an adequate level of knowledge and competence in his or her fields of practice.
Retainers entered into prior to 1 August 2008
3.10 Rules 3.4 and 3.5 do not apply to a retainer entered into by a lawyer before 1 August 2008.
Chapter 4
Availability of lawyers to public and retainers
4 A lawyer as a professional person must be available to the public and must not, without good cause, refuse to accept instructions from any client or prospective client for services within the reserved areas of work that are within the lawyer's fields of practice.
Refusing instructions
4.1 Good cause to refuse to accept instructions includes a lack of available time, the instructions falling outside the lawyer's normal field of practice, instructions that could require the lawyer to breach any professional obligation, and the unwillingness or inability of the prospective client to pay the normal fee of the lawyer concerned for the relevant work.
Duty to complete retainer
4.2 A lawyer who has been retained by a client must complete the regulated services required by the client under the retainer unless—
Client terminating retainer
4.3 A client has a right to terminate a retainer at any time subject only to compliance with any agreed terms in the retainer as to grounds and notice for termination, which are reasonable in the circumstances of the particular case.
4.4 A lawyer has no proprietary interest in a client and must not exert undue pressure on a client not to terminate a retainer or to re-engage the lawyer after termination of the retainer.
4.4.1 Subject to any statutory provisions to the contrary, upon changing lawyers a client has the right either in person or through the new lawyer to uplift all documents, records, funds, or property held on the client's behalf. The former lawyer must act upon any written request to uplift documents without undue delay subject only to any lien that the former lawyer may claim.
4.4.3 Where a client changes lawyers, and funds, documents, or property of the former client are the subject of an undertaking given by the former lawyer to a third party, the former lawyer may decline to release the funds, documents, or property concerned to the new lawyer or client until the former lawyer is discharged from the undertaking to the third party.
4.5 Rule 4.4 and this rule do not prevent—
Administration of oaths and declarations
4.6 Subject to his or her availability, a lawyer holding a practising certificate as a barrister and solicitor must administer oaths and take declarations.
Chapter 5
Independence
5 A lawyer must be independent and free from compromising influences or loyalties when providing services to his or her clients.
Independent judgement and advice
5.1 The relationship between lawyer and client is one of confidence and trust that must never be abused.
5.2 The professional judgement of a lawyer must at all times be exercised within the bounds of the law and the professional obligations of the lawyer solely for the benefit of the client.
5.3 A lawyer must at all times exercise independent professional judgement on a client's behalf. A lawyer must give objective advice to the client based on the lawyer's understanding of the law.
Conflicting interests
5.4 A lawyer must not act or continue to act if there is a conflict or a risk of a conflict between the interests of the lawyer and the interests of a client for whom the lawyer is acting or proposing to act.
5.4.3 A lawyer must not enter into any financial, business, or property transaction or relationship with a client if there is a possibility of the relationship of confidence and trust between lawyer and client being compromised.
5.4.4 A lawyer who enters into any financial, business, or property transaction or relationship with a client must advise the client of the right to receive independent advice in respect of the matter and explain to the client that should a conflict of interest arise the lawyer must cease to act for the client on the matter and, without the client's informed consent, on any other matters. This rule 5.4.4 does not apply where—
5.4.5 In this rule, a lawyer is deemed to be a party to a transaction if the transaction is between entities that are related to the lawyer by control (including a trusteeship, directorship, or the holding of a power of attorney) or ownership (including a shareholding), or between parties with whom the lawyer or client has a close personal relationship.
Conflicting business interests
5.5 A lawyer must not engage in a business or professional activity other than the practice of law where the business or professional activity would or could reasonably be expected to compromise the discharge of the lawyer's professional obligations.
5.5.1 Where a lawyer or the lawyer's practice provides, or intends to provide to clients, services other than regulated services, the services must—
Third party conflicts of interest
5.6 A lawyer must ensure that the existence of a close personal relationship with a third party does not compromise the discharge of the duties owed to a client.
5.6.2 Where a person with whom the lawyer has a close personal relationship has an interest in the matter being dealt with or proposed to be dealt with on behalf of the client, the existence of that close personal relationship and the nature of the interest must be disclosed to the client or prospective client irrespective of whether an actual conflict of interest exists.
5.6.4 Where lawyers are in a close personal relationship with each other they must not act for different parties in a matter unless the clients of both lawyers give their informed consent to their respective lawyers acting. Where both lawyers are retained by their respective clients before the close personal relationship is established, then, in the absence of both clients' consent to their respective lawyers continuing to act, the lawyer retained later in time must cease to act.
Personal relationships
5.7 A lawyer must not enter into an intimate personal relationship with a client where to do so would or could be inconsistent with the trust and confidence reposed by the client.
Gifts
5.8 A lawyer must not accept a gift from a client if there is a possibility of the gift being or appearing to be inconsistent with the trust and confidence reposed by the client.
Collateral rewards
5.9 A lawyer must not directly or indirectly offer to, or receive from, a third party any reward or inducement in respect of any advice given, referrals made, products or services purchased, or any work done for a client. This rule does not apply to arrangements under which a third party has agreed to pay or contribute to normal fees payable by a client with the knowledge and consent of that client.
Drafting instruments
5.10 A lawyer must not draft or assist in drafting a provision of a will or other instrument under which the lawyer may take a benefit other than a benefit normally attached to acting in a professional capacity in respect of the will or instrument unless, before the execution of the will or instrument, the person concerned has taken independent advice.
Claims against lawyer
5.11 When a lawyer becomes aware that a client has or may have a claim against him or her, the lawyer must immediately—
5.12 A lawyer may resume acting for a former client where the matter in dispute has been resolved.
Chapter 6
Client interests
6 In acting for a client, a lawyer must, within the bounds of the law and these rules, protect and promote the interests of the client to the exclusion of the interests of third parties.
Conflicting duties
6.1 A lawyer must not act for more than 1 client on a matter in any circumstances where there is a more than negligible risk that the lawyer may be unable to discharge the obligations owed to 1 or more of the clients.
6.1.2 Despite rule 6.1.1, if a lawyer is acting for more than 1 client in respect of a matter and it becomes apparent that the lawyer will no longer be able to discharge the obligations owed to all of the clients for whom the lawyer acts, the lawyer must immediately inform each of the clients of this fact and terminate the retainers with all of the clients.
6.1.3 Despite rule 6.1.2, a lawyer may continue to act for 1 client provided that the other clients concerned, after receiving independent advice, give informed consent to the lawyer continuing to act for the client and no duties to the consenting clients have been or will be breached.
6.2 Rule 6.1 applies with any necessary modifications whenever lawyers who are members of the same practice act for more than 1 party.
6.3 An information barrier within a practice does not affect the application of, nor the obligation to comply with, rule 6.1 or 6.2.
Conflicting office
6.4 A lawyer must not act in any matter where, by virtue of membership of a public authority by the lawyer, a member of the lawyer’s practice, or a member of the lawyer’s family,—
Chapter 7
Disclosure and communication of information to clients
7 A lawyer must promptly disclose to a client all information that the lawyer has or acquires that is relevant to the matter in respect of which the lawyer is engaged by the client.
7.1 A lawyer must take reasonable steps to ensure that a client understands the nature of the retainer and must keep the client informed about progress on the retainer. A lawyer must also consult the client (not being another lawyer acting in a professional capacity) about the steps to be taken to implement the client's instructions.
7.2 A lawyer must promptly answer requests for information or other inquiries from the client.
7.3 A lawyer is not required to disclose information to the client if—
7.4 A lawyer must not agree to receive information on the basis that it will not be disclosed to his or her client unless the client has given informed consent to this.
7.5 An undertaking by a lawyer to a third party (whether another client or not) to keep information confidential does not relieve the lawyer of the duty to disclose that information to the client unless the client has given his or her informed consent to the undertaking.
7.6 When a matter is completed, the lawyer must advise the client accordingly, provide a brief summary of the work undertaken (to the extent that this has not previously been provided) and, where appropriate, identify any necessary future action by the client or the lawyer.
7.7 Rules 7.1 to 7.6 apply where a lawyer is instructed by another lawyer on behalf of a client of the instructing lawyer. In that event, unless otherwise requested, the lawyer should deal with and report to the instructing lawyer rather than the lay client.
Chapter 8
Confidential information
8 A lawyer has a duty to protect and to hold in strict confidence all information concerning a client, the retainer, and the client’s business and affairs acquired in the course of the professional relationship.
Duration of duty of confidence
8.1 A lawyer’s duty of confidence commences from the time a person makes a disclosure to the lawyer in relation to a proposed retainer (whether or not a retainer eventuates). The duty of confidence continues indefinitely after the person concerned has ceased to be the lawyer’s client.
8.1.2 Where an incorporated client goes into receivership, liquidation, or voluntary administration, the duty of confidentiality owed to the corporation under the direction of the receiver, liquidator, or administrator remains but confidentiality relating to the business and affairs of shareholders and directors of the client (if the lawyer acted for those parties) remains with those individuals.
When disclosure is required
8.2 A lawyer must disclose confidential information where—
8.3 Where a lawyer discloses information under this rule, it must be only to an appropriate person and only to the extent reasonably necessary for the required purpose.
When disclosure is permitted
8.4 A lawyer may disclose confidential information relating to the business or affairs of a client to a third party where—
(d) the lawyer reasonably believes that the lawyer's services have been used by the client to perpetrate or conceal a crime or fraud and disclosure is required to prevent, mitigate, or rectify substantial injury to the interests, property, or reputation of another person that is reasonably likely to result or has resulted from the client's commission of the crime or fraud; or
(g) disclosure is necessary to answer or defend any complaint, claim, allegation, or proceedings against the lawyer by the client.
8.5 Where the lawyer discloses information under this rule, it should be only to the appropriate person or entity and only to the extent reasonably necessary for the permitted purpose.
8.6 In rule 8.4, client includes a former client.
Use of confidential information prohibited
8.7 A lawyer must not use information that is confidential to a client (including a former client) for the benefit of any other person or of the lawyer.
8.7.3 An information barrier is effective when, in all the circumstances, there is a negligible risk that the confidential information in respect of the former client will be or has been disclosed to the new client or to any lawyer acting for the new client.
8.7.5 For the purposes of this rule 8.7, confidential information is presumed to be held by a practice when any lawyer who is a member of the practice has been a member of another practice that held the confidential information when that lawyer was a member, unless the lawyer concerned can demonstrate that he or she is not aware of the relevant confidential information.
Other confidential information
8.8 A lawyer must not breach or risk breaching a duty of confidence owed by the lawyer that has arisen outside a lawyer–client relationship, whether to benefit the lawyer, a client, or otherwise. In such a case the lawyer must not act for a client against a person in respect of whom confidential information relevant to the matter in issue is held.
Chapter 9
Fees
9 A lawyer must not charge a client more than a fee that is fair and reasonable for the services provided, having regard to the interests of both client and lawyer and having regard also to the factors set out in rule 9.1.
Reasonable fee factors
9.1 The factors to be taken into account in determining the reasonableness of a fee in respect of any service provided by a lawyer to a client include the following:
Fee agreements
9.2 The terms of any fee agreement between a lawyer and client must be fair and reasonable, having regard to the interests of both client and lawyer.
Fees in advance
9.3 A lawyer who wishes to debit fees held in trust or to receive funds to cover fees in advance must comply with the requirements of regulations 9 and 10 of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act (Trust Account) Regulations 2008.
Fee information and advice
9.4 A lawyer must upon request provide an estimate of fees and inform the client promptly if it becomes apparent that the fee estimate is likely to be exceeded.
9.5 Where a client may be eligible for legal aid, a lawyer must inform the client of this and whether or not the lawyer is prepared to work on legally aided matters.
Final account
9.6 A lawyer must render a final account to the client or person charged within a reasonable time of concluding a matter or the retainer being otherwise terminated. The lawyer must provide with the account sufficient information to identify the matter, the period to which it relates, and the work undertaken.
Lawyers undertaking work of real estate agents
9.7 A lawyer who undertakes the work of a real estate agent must comply with the rules set out in chapter 16.
Conditional fee agreements
9.8 A lawyer may enter into a conditional fee agreement with a client only in the circumstances and in accordance with the requirements set out in sections 333 to 335 of the Act and in these rules.
9.9 Where a lawyer enters into a conditional fee agreement with a client, the lawyer must ensure that,—
(a) before entering into the conditional fee agreement, the lawyer has informed the client of any other appropriate arrangements that may be available, including, where relevant, the possibility of legal aid; and
9.10 A conditional fee agreement (including an amendment or variation to a conditional fee agreement) must be in writing and must provide—
Conditional fee statement
9.11 Upon conclusion of a matter that is the subject of a conditional fee charge, the lawyer must provide the client with an account that discloses the normal fee and also the premium.
9.12 Rule 9.11 applies whether the conditional fee is charged in terms of a conditional fee agreement (as defined by section 333 of the Act) or under an arrangement that is not a conditional fee agreement as so defined. In the latter case, the expression normal fee and premium have corresponding meanings to those set out in section 333 of the Act.
Fee sharing
9.13 The sharing of a fee between lawyers is permitted where all the lawyers concerned have provided regulated services in relation to the matter and the total fee is fair and reasonable.
9.14 The sharing of a fee between lawyers is permitted if the agreement to share fees is incidental to the sale of a legal practice.
9.15 The sharing of a fee with a patent attorney is permissible provided that it complies with rules made pursuant to section 94(h) of the Act.
Chapter 10
Professional dealings
10 A lawyer must promote and maintain proper standards of professionalism in the lawyer's dealings.
Respect and courtesy
10.1 A lawyer must treat other lawyers with respect and courtesy.
Communicating with another lawyer’s client
10.2 A lawyer acting in a matter must not communicate directly with a person whom the lawyer knows is represented by another lawyer in that matter except as authorised in this rule.
10.2.1 A lawyer may communicate directly with a person whom the lawyer knows is represented by another lawyer where the matter is urgent and it is not possible to contact that person’s lawyer or an appropriate member of his or her practice. In communicating with the other lawyer’s client directly, the lawyer must act fairly towards the other lawyer’s client at all times and must promptly notify the other lawyer of the details of the communication.
10.2.5 A lawyer may communicate directly with a person represented by another lawyer where the person consents to the communication and the other lawyer has been given reasonable notice of the intended communication. In communicating with the other lawyer’s client directly, the lawyer must act fairly towards the other lawyer’s client at all times.
Undertakings
10.3 A lawyer must honour all undertakings, whether written or oral, that he or she gives to any person in the course of practice.
Payments
10.4 A lawyer must not—
(a) stop a trust account cheque drawn on the trust account of the practice of which the lawyer is a member, or a bank cheque, which in either case is payable to another practice, or to a conveyancing practitioner, or to an incorporated conveyancing firm; or
(b) cancel, reverse, or amend an order for payment made to another practice, conveyancing practitioner, or incorporated conveyancing firm by way of electronic transfer from the trust account of the practice of which the lawyer is a member—
once the cheque or printed verification of the electronic transfer instructions has been handed or dispatched to the payee.
10.5 Rule 10.4 does not apply where the payment—
10.6 Where a lawyer stops a payment or cancels, reverses, or amends an order for payment, the lawyer must immediately advise the payee of the action that has been taken.
Fees of other lawyers
10.7 A lawyer who, acting in a professional capacity, instructs another lawyer, must pay the other lawyer’s account promptly and in full unless agreement to the contrary is reached, or the fee is promptly disputed through proper professional channels. This rule applies to the accounts of barristers sole and foreign lawyers.
10.7.2 A lawyer with a practising certificate as a barrister and solicitor may sue for and recover from the party chargeable any fees paid or payable by the lawyer to a barrister sole for work done or to be done on the instructions of the lawyer in relation to a client's affairs, if those fees are shown as a disbursement in a bill of costs rendered by the lawyer to the party chargeable.
Making recordings
10.8 A lawyer must not, in the course of his or her professional activity, make a video or sound recording of any person without first informing the person of the lawyer's intention to do so.
Chapter 11
Proper professional practice
11 A lawyer's practice must be administered in a manner that ensures that the duties to the court and existing, prospective, and former clients are adhered to, and that the reputation of the legal profession is preserved.
Misleading and deceptive conduct
11.1 A lawyer must not engage in conduct that is misleading or deceptive or likely to mislead or deceive anyone on any aspect of the lawyer’s practice.
Direct solicitation
11.2 A lawyer must not directly contact a prospective client—
(b) if the lawyer knows or should know that the physical, emotional, or mental state of the person is such that the person could not exercise reasonable judgement in engaging a lawyer, or the lawyer is aware that the prospective client does not wish to be contacted by the lawyer.
Supervision and management
11.3 A lawyer in practice on his or her own account must ensure that the conduct of the practice (including separate places of business) and the conduct of employees is at all times competently supervised and managed by a lawyer who is qualified to practise on his or her own account.
Prevention of crime or fraud
11.4 A lawyer must take all reasonable steps to prevent any person perpetrating a crime or fraud through the lawyer’s practice. This includes taking reasonable steps to ensure the security of and access to electronic systems and passwords.
Chapter 12
Third parties
12 A lawyer must, when acting in a professional capacity, conduct dealings with others, including self-represented persons, with integrity, respect, and courtesy.
12.1 When a lawyer knows that a person is self-represented, the lawyer should normally inform that person of the right to take legal advice.
Third party fees
12.2 Where a lawyer instructs a third party on behalf of a client to render services in the absence of an arrangement to the contrary, the lawyer is personally responsible for payment of the third party's fees, costs, and expenses.
Chapter 13
Lawyers as officers of court
13 The overriding duty of a lawyer acting in litigation is to the court concerned. Subject to this, the lawyer has a duty to act in the best interests of his or her client without regard for the personal interests of the lawyer.
Duty of fidelity to court
13.1 A lawyer has an absolute duty of honesty to the court and must not mislead or deceive the court.
Protection of court processes
13.2 A lawyer must not act in a way that undermines the processes of the court or the dignity of the judiciary.
13.2.2 A lawyer must not discuss any case or matter before the court with any judicial officer involved in the proceeding either formally or informally outside of the rules of procedure that permit matters to be raised in the absence of the other party (such as in cases of urgency or where an ex parte application is justified). In cases of doubt, the lawyers for other parties (or if a party is not represented, then the party concerned) should be informed of any matters being brought before the court.
13.2.4 A lawyer must not, during the conduct of a proceeding, engage in any relationship with a witness that may have the effect or appear to have the effect of interfering with the fair disposition of the proceeding.
Informed instructions
13.3 Subject to the lawyer's overriding duty to the court, a lawyer must obtain and follow a client’s instructions on significant decisions in respect of the conduct of litigation. Those instructions should be taken after the client is informed by the lawyer of the nature of the decisions to be made and the consequences of them.
Alternatives to litigation
13.4 A lawyer assisting a client with the resolution of a dispute must keep the client advised of alternatives to litigation that are reasonably available (unless the lawyer believes on reasonable grounds that the client already has an understanding of those alternatives) to enable the client to make informed decisions regarding the resolution of the dispute.
Independence in litigation
13.5 A lawyer engaged in litigation for a client must maintain his or her independence at all times.
13.5.2 If, after a lawyer has commenced acting in a proceeding, it becomes apparent that the lawyer or a member of the lawyer's practice is to give evidence of a contentious nature, the lawyer must immediately inform the court and, unless the court directs otherwise, cease acting.
13.5.3 A lawyer must not act in a proceeding if the conduct or advice of the lawyer or of another member of the lawyer’s practice is in issue in the matter before the court. This rule does not apply where the lawyer is acting for himself or herself, or for the member of the practice whose actions are in issue.
13.6 A lawyer or lawyers who are members of the same practice must not act in a dispute for 2 or more parties whose interests are not the same or where the lawyer or practice will be unable to ensure the discharge of any duty owed to any party to the dispute.
13.6.1 If, having commenced to act for more than 1 party to a dispute, it becomes apparent that the lawyer or lawyers who are members of the same practice will not be able to ensure the discharge of all duties owed to the respective parties, the lawyer or practice must cease acting for all parties immediately.
13.6.2 A lawyer or lawyers who are members of the same practice may, however, continue to act for 1 client provided that the other party, after receiving independent advice, gives informed consent at the time the dispute arises to the lawyer or practice continuing to act for the other party and no duties to the consenting party have been or will be breached.
Lawyer as witness
13.7 Where a lawyer is approached to give evidence in a court proceeding that relates to a matter in which the lawyer acted, the lawyer must not be obstructive and must, subject to the rules of privilege and the duty of confidence, provide all information relevant to the matter in issue to any party to the proceeding and to the court that the lawyer would be obliged to provide if subpoenaed as a witness.
Reputation of other parties
13.8 A lawyer engaged in litigation must not attack a person's reputation without good cause in court or in documents filed in court proceedings.
13.8.1 A lawyer must not be a party to the filing of any document in court alleging fraud, dishonesty, undue influence, duress, or other reprehensible conduct, unless the lawyer has taken appropriate steps to ensure that reasonable grounds for making the allegation exist.
13.8.2 Allegations should not be made against persons not involved in the proceeding unless they are necessary to the conduct of the litigation and reasonable steps are taken to ensure the accuracy of the allegations and, where appropriate, the protection of the privacy of those persons.
Discovery and privilege
13.9 A lawyer who acts for a party in a proceeding must, to the best of the lawyer's ability, ensure that discovery obligations are fully complied with by the lawyer's client and that the rules of privilege are adhered to. A lawyer must not continue to act if, to the lawyer's knowledge, there has been a breach of discovery obligations by the lawyer's client and the client refuses to remedy that breach.
13.9.1 A lawyer acting for a litigant must advise the client of the scope of the client’s obligations in respect of discovery, including the continuing nature of those obligations up to and including the time of final judgment, and that discovered documents may be used only for the purposes of the litigation and not for any other purpose. The lawyer must, to the best of the lawyer's ability, ensure that the client understands and fulfils those obligations.
13.9.3 A lawyer must not, other than by application to the court, seek to obtain on behalf of a client information or documents that the lawyer knows to be privileged unless every person holding that privilege, after having been advised of the existence of the privilege and consequences of waiver, waives that privilege.
13.9.4 If a lawyer becomes aware that privileged information or documents have been inadvertently released in circumstances where privilege has not been waived, the lawyer must not disclose the contents of the material to a client, must inform the other lawyer (or litigant if unrepresented) of the release, and must return any documents forthwith. This rule applies despite the rules relating to disclosure contained in chapter 7.
Presenting evidence and witnesses
13.10 A lawyer must not adduce evidence knowing it to be false.
13.10.1 If a witness (not being the lawyer’s client) gives material evidence in support of the lawyer’s client’s case that the lawyer knows to be false, the lawyer must, in the absence of a retraction, refuse to examine the witness further on that matter. If the witness is the client of the lawyer, the lawyer must, in the absence of a retraction, cease to act for that client.
13.10.3 A lawyer must not put questions regarding allegations against third parties to a witness when the lawyer knows that the witness does not have the necessary information or knowledge to answer questions in respect of those allegations, or where there is no justifiable foundation for the allegations.
13.10.4 A lawyer engaged in any proceeding does not have the sole right to call or discuss the case with a witness. A lawyer acting for one party may interview a witness or prospective witness at any stage prior to the hearing, whether or not the witness has been interviewed by the lawyer acting for the other party.
13.10.6 A lawyer must not discourage a witness or potential witness from discussing the case with the lawyer acting for the other party or otherwise obstruct access to that witness or potential witness by the lawyer acting for the other party. A lawyer is, however, entitled to inform a witness or potential witness of the right to decline to be interviewed by the other party and of any relevant legal obligations.
13.10.7 A lawyer must not communicate with a witness during the course of cross-examination or re-examination of that witness or between the cross-examination and the re-examination, except where good reason exists and with the consent of either the judge or the lawyers for all other parties (or, where a party is unrepresented, the consent of that party). This applies during adjournments of the hearing.
13.10.11 If an expert witness has, to a lawyer’s knowledge, been retained by another party, the lawyer must not, without the prior consent of the lawyer acting for the other party, approach the expert witness.
Submissions on law
13.11 The duty to the court includes a duty to put all relevant and significant law known to the lawyer before the court, whether this material supports the client’s case or not. Subject to the procedure required by the practice direction contained in Practice Note [1968] NZLR 608, this duty continues until final judgment is given in the proceeding.
Duties of prosecution lawyer
13.12 A prosecuting lawyer must act fairly and impartially at all times and in doing this must—
Duties of defence lawyer
13.13 A defence lawyer must protect his or her client so far as is possible from being convicted (except upon admissible evidence sufficient to support a conviction for the offence with which the client is charged) and in doing so must—
but must not mislead the court in any way.
13.13.1 When taking instructions from a client, including instructions on a plea and whether or not to give evidence, a defence lawyer must ensure that his or her client is fully informed on all relevant implications of his or her decision and the defence lawyer must then act in accordance with the client's instructions.
13.13.3 Where a defence lawyer is told by his or her client that he or she did not commit the offence, or where a defence lawyer believes that on the facts there should be an acquittal, but for particular reasons the client wishes to plead guilty, the defence lawyer may continue to represent the client, but only after warning the client of the consequences and advising the client that the lawyer can act after the entry of the plea only on the basis that the offence has been admitted, and put forward factors in mitigation.
Chapter 14
Barristers
14 The legal work of a barrister may be undertaken by a lawyer practising either as a barrister and solicitor or as a barrister sole.
14.1 A lawyer who holds a practising certificate as a barrister and solicitor must not hold himself or herself out as practising as a barrister sole.
Practice as barrister sole
14.2 A lawyer who holds a practising certificate as a barrister sole must not—
14.3 A barrister sole may practise from a set of rooms or chambers and join with other barristers sole in sharing secretarial and support services for their practices, including the employment of another lawyer who holds a practising certificate as a barrister sole.
Intervention rule
14.4 Subject to rules 14.6, 14.7, and 14.8, a barrister sole must not accept instructions to act for another person other than from a person who holds a practising certificate as a barrister and solicitor.
14.5 The Law Society must review and determine whether to keep in force the intervention requirements set out in rule 14.4. In carrying out the review the Law Society must consult with the Ministry of Justice, the New Zealand Bar Association, and such other organisations, groups, or persons as the Law Society considers have an interest in the issue. The Law Society must commence the review within 18 months after the date on which these rules come into force and must proceed with the review with reasonable expedition having regard to all the circumstances.
Direct instructions
14.6 A barrister sole may accept instructions from a person who does not hold a practising certificate as a barrister and solicitor if the barrister sole is—
14.7 Despite rule 14.4, the Law Society may, in consultation with the Ministry of Justice and the New Zealand Bar Association, grant a specific or general dispensation authorising barristers sole, any category of barristers sole, or any individual barrister sole to accept instructions from persons other than from a person who holds a practising certificate as a barrister and solicitor. In deciding whether to grant any dispensation, the Law Society must take into account the public interest and the interests of consumers.
14.8 A dispensation granted by the Law Society under rule 14.7 may be subject to such terms and conditions as the Law Society considers appropriate, including any requirements in relation to the keeping of a trust account and compliance with the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act (Trust Account) Regulations 2008 made under the Act.
General
14.9 A barrister sole must not do anything to induce persons to suppose that the barrister sole retains a connection with any practice of which he or she was previously a member, or to suppose that there is any connection between the barrister sole and that practice or any other practice.
14.10 A barrister sole must not have an arrangement that restricts the complete freedom of a lawyer holding a practising certificate as a barrister and solicitor to instruct any counsel the lawyer or the client selects.
14.11 A barrister sole must keep his or her instructing lawyer reasonably informed of the progress of the brief. A barrister sole should normally seek the consent of the instructing lawyer before interviewing the client or witnesses.
14.12 Correspondence between parties on matters relating to litigation should normally be carried out between the instructing barristers and solicitors.
14.13 A barrister sole should not normally file documents in the court, or in the course of proceedings, which show his or her rooms or chambers as the address for service. There may, however, be exceptional circumstances where it is practicable and necessary to do so. Exceptions would be where the barrister sole is not instructed by a barrister and solicitor in accordance with rule 14.6 or the barrister sole acts under a dispensation granted under rule 14.7.
Chapter 15
In-house lawyers
15 A lawyer may practise as an in-house lawyer.
Nature of engagement
15.1 An in-house lawyer is a lawyer who is engaged by a non-lawyer and who, in the course of his or her engagement, provides regulated services to the non-lawyer on a full-time or part-time basis.
15.1.4 An in-house lawyer who is engaged on a part-time basis may, subject to the terms of his or her contract, enter into a separate in-house lawyer contract with another non-lawyer on a part-time basis.
15.1.5 An in-house lawyer who is engaged on a part-time basis and who is entitled to practise on his or her own account may, subject to the terms of his or her contract, practise on his or her own account outside the hours of the engagement.
Practice as in-house lawyer
15.2 When an in-house lawyer provides regulated services to the non-lawyer by whom he or she is engaged, he or she must do so pursuant to a lawyer–client relationship.
15.2.4 Where an in-house lawyer is engaged by a company, the in-house lawyer may provide regulated services to any other company in the same group. In this rule, group has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Financial Reporting Act 1993.
15.3 An in-house lawyer must, in that capacity, comply with the provisions of the Act and these rules, apart from chapter 4 (availability of lawyers to the public) and chapter 9 (fees).
15.4 This rule 15 applies to a lawyer who is a member of and serves as a legal officer in—
in the same manner as if the lawyer were engaged under an employment agreement.
Chapter 16
Real estate services
Notification to Law Society
16 Prior to a lawyer commencing to provide real estate services on a regular or systematic basis, the lawyer must notify the Law Society in writing of the lawyer’s intention to do so and the address or addresses from which the real estate services are to be provided.
16.1 A lawyer must notify the Law Society in writing of any change in the address or addresses from which real estate services are provided.
16.2 If a lawyer ceases to provide real estate services, the lawyer must give notice in writing of this to the Law Society.
Fees
16.3 Subject to rules 16.4 and 16.5, all fees that a lawyer charges in relation to the provision of real estate services must be set in accordance with and comply with the provisions relating to fees in chapter 9 of these rules.
16.4 A lawyer may, in settling a fee in relation to the provision of real estate services, take into particular account the following factors:
16.5 A lawyer may charge a fixed success-based fee for the provision of real estate services provided that the fee—
16.6 Rules 16.3 to 16.5 are subject to any relevant provisions in the Real Estate Agents Act 1976 or any Act passed in substitution for that Act. While the prohibition against lawyers charging by way of commission contained in section 3(7) of the Real Estate Agents Act 1976 remains in force, no part of a lawyer's fee for the provision of real estate services should be calculated as a percentage of or be based solely on the price or rental achieved.
Prohibition against acting for another party
16.7 Where a lawyer provides real estate services for a prospective vendor of a property, the lawyer must not act for any purchaser or prospective purchaser in relation to the acquisition of the property concerned.
16.8 Where a lawyer provides real estate services for a prospective lessor of a property, the lawyer must not act for any lessee or prospective lessee in relation to the leasing of the property concerned.
16.9 Where the circumstances set out in rule 16.7 or 16.8 apply, no other member of the lawyer’s practice may act for a purchaser, prospective purchaser, lessee, or prospective lessee, as the case may be, in relation to the acquisition or leasing of the property concerned.