Information for Clients

Information for Clients

Set out below is the information required by the Rules of Conduct and Client Care for Lawyers of the New Zealand Law Society ("Law Society").

  1. Fees

    1. The basis on which fees will be charged is set out in our Terms of Engagement and our letter of engagement.  Information on when payment of fees is to be made is set out in our Terms of Engagement.

    2. In accordance with our Terms of Engagement we may deduct the amount of our invoices from any funds held on your behalf in our trust account. 

  2. Professional Indemnity Insurance
    We hold professional indemnity insurance that meets or exceeds the minimum standards specified by the Law Society. We will provide you with particulars of the minimum standards upon request.

  3. Lawyers' Fidelity Fund

    1. The Law Society maintains the “Lawyers' Fidelity Fund” for the purpose of providing clients of lawyers with protection against money lost 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.

    2. 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. 

  4. Complaints

    1. We maintain a procedure for handling any complaints by clients, designed to ensure that a complaint is dealt with promptly and fairly.

    2. 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.

    3. 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 Anna Fox or Jonathan Gillard. They may be contacted by:

      1. letter;

      2. email at anna.fox@srblaw.co.nz or jonathan.gillard@srblaw.co.nz; or

      3. telephone at (03) 377 4470.:

    4. The Law Society operates the “Lawyers Complaints Service” and you are able to make a complaint to that service.  To do so:

      1. call 0800 261 801 and you will be connected to the nearest complaints service office, which can provide information and advice about making a complaint;

      2. go to https://www.lawsociety.org.nz/for-the-public/complaining-about-a-lawyer/how-to-make-a-complaint/ for information on the process; or

      3. email complaints@lawsociety.org.nz.

  5. Persons Responsible for the Work
    The names and status of the person or persons who will have the general carriage of or overall responsibility for the services we provide for you are set out in our letter of engagement.

  6. Client Care and Service

    1. The Law Society client care and service information sets out that whatever legal services your lawyer is providing, he or she must:

      1. act competently, in a timely way, and in accordance with instructions received and arrangements made;

      2. protect and promote your interests and act for you free from compromising influences or loyalties;

      3. discuss with you your objectives and how they should best be achieved;

      4. provide you with information about the work to be done, who will do it and the way the services will be provided;

      5. charge you a fee that is fair and reasonable and let you know how and when you will be billed;

      6. give you clear information and advice;

      7. protect your privacy and ensure appropriate confidentiality;

      8. treat you fairly, respectfully and without discrimination;

      9. keep you informed about the work being done and advise you when it is completed; and

      10. let you know how to make a complaint and deal with any complaint promptly and fairly.

    2. The obligations lawyers owe to clients are described in the “Rules of Conduct and Client Care for Lawyers”.  Those obligations are subject to other overriding duties, including duties to the courts and to the justice system.

    3. If you have any questions, please:

      1. visit www.lawsociety.org.nz; or

      2. call 0800 261 801.

  7. Limitations on Extent of Our Obligations or Liability

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