Set out below is the information required by the Rules of Conduct and Client Care for Lawyer of the New Zealand Law Society (“Law Society”)
Client Care and Service
As per the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act (Lawyers: Conduct and client Care) Rules 2008 Taranaki Law will:
- 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 in which 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.
Please note that these obligations are subject to other overriding duties, including duties to the courts and to the justice system.
Fees
The basis on which fees will be charged is set out in our letter of engagement. When and how fees are to be paid, including fees paid on a grant of Legal Aid, are set out in our Standard Terms of Engagement.
We may deduct from funds held on your behalf in our trust account any fees, expenses or disbursements for which we have provided an invoice.
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Taranaki Law holds professional indemnity insurance that meets or exceeds the minimum standards specified by the Law Society.
The Lawyers Fidelity Fund
The Law Society maintains the Lawyers’ Fidelity Fund for the purpose of providing clients of lawyers with protection against loss arising from theft by lawyers. The maximum amount to an individual claimant is limited to $100,000. 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.
Procedures for complaints
We maintain a procedure for handling any complaints by clients, designed to ensure that a complaint is dealt with promptly and fairly. If you have a complaint about our services or charges, you may refer your complaint to either Carley Dwyer or Alice Vickers.
Lawyers Complaints Service
If you are not satisfied with the way we have dealt with your complaint the New Zealand Law Society has a complaints service to which you may refer the issue. You can call the 0800 number for guidance, lodge a concern or make a formal complaint. Matters may be directed to:
Lawyers Complaints Service,
PO Box 5041,
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
Phone: 0800 261 801
To lodge a concern: www.lawsociety.org.nz/for-the-community/lawyers-complaints-service/concerns-form
To make a formal complaint: www.lawsociety.org.nz/for-the-community/lawyers-complaints-service/how-to-make-a-complaint Email: complaints@lawsociety.org.nz
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 letter of engagement.