Under these rules, you can expect that, whatever legal services your lawyer is providing, he or she must:
act competently, in a timely way, and in accordance with any 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 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.
You may complainabout a lawyer who does not meet these standards.
Lawyers must have a practising certificate issued by the NZ Law Society. You can look up the NZLS Registerto find outif the person you plan to consult holds a current practising certificate.
More information about what you can expect from your lawyer and/or how you may lodge a complaint is available on the NZLS website at https://www.lawsociety.org.nz/
