New Zealand Law Society

The Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006 ('LAC Act') came into force on 1 August 2008.  The purpose of the legislation is (amongst other things) to maintain public confidence in the provision of legal services and to recognise the status of the legal profession.  The New Zealand Law Society was established by statute in 1869 and continues in existence under this new legislation to control and regulate the legal profession and enforce the provisions of the LAC Act (and any regulations and rules made under it).

Constitution and Practice Rules

The New Zealand Law Society must have a constitution and must have practice rules.

The constitution and the practice rules (as approved by the Minister of Justice) must be submitted by the Council of the New Zealand Law Society ("the NZLS Council") to the Registrar of Companies for registration by 14 August 2008.

The Minister of Justice ("the Minister") may amend the practice rules if necessary, after consultation with the NZLS Council and any other persons or groups as the Minister thinks fit.

There are no annual filing obligations with the Registrar of Companies.  The Minister will instead present the annual report of the New Zealand Law Society to the House of Representatives.

Filing Obligations

The NZLS Council is required to file:

1. Constitution amendments l section 71(2).  A copy of any amendment to the constitution or a new constitution must be filed no later than 14 days after the passing of the amendment or the replacement of the constitution.

2. Amendments to the practice rules l section 105(1).  A copy of any amendment to the practice rules or new rules (as approved by the Minister) must be filed no later than 14 days after the amendment is passed or the existing rules are revoked.

The Minister is required to file:

3. Amendments to the practice rules l section 105(2).  If the practice rules are amended by the Minister under section 104, the Minister must file a copy of that amendment within 14 days after making the amendment.

To access the details of the New Zealand Law Society complete the following steps:

1. Follow the link to Other Register Search
2. Select Other Bodies from the list of available entities
3. In the second box enter New Zealand Law Society
4. Select Submit Search
5. Select New Zealand Law Society

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