Client Care Rules.

At Lawler & Co., we hold ourselves to the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct, guided by the principles outlined in the New Zealand Law Society's Client Care Rules. Our dedication to providing transparent, fair, and respectful legal services is at the core of everything we do. This page serves as a comprehensive guide to your rights as a client and our unwavering commitment to your satisfaction and trust. From fee transparency to handling complaints with diligence and fairness, we ensure that every aspect of your experience with us aligns with the principles of integrity, competence, and client-centricity. Discover how Lawler & Co. upholds these standards and works tirelessly to exceed your expectations at every turn.

INTRODUCTION

This document contains the information required by the Rules of Conduct and Client Care for Lawyers of the New Zealand Law Society.

INFORMATION REQUIRED BY NZLS RULES

1.   Fees

The basis on which fees will be charged, and when payment of fees is to be made, are set out in our Terms of Engagement.

2.   Office Services

Printing, copying and office charges with the exception of filing fees will be covered in an additional charge on your invoice/statement under “Office Expense Fee”.

3.   Complaints

If you have a complaint about us or our services you may:

a)     refer your complaint to the person in the firm who has overall responsibility for your work; or

b)     if we have been unable to resolve a complaint or concern you may contact The Lawyers Complaint Service on 0800 261 801.

email:      complaints@lawsociety.org.nz

website:  www.lawsociety.org.nz/for-the-community/lawyers-service/concerns-form

 4.   Insurance

We hold indemnity insurance that exceeds the minimum standards specified by the New Zealand Law Society.

 5.   Fidelity Fund

The Lawyers Fidelity Fund established by the New Zealand Law Society is available to reimburse people who suffer loss by reason of the theft by a lawyer of money or other valuable property entrusted to the lawyer.

 6.   Client care and service

The New Zealand Law Society Client Care and Service Information is set out as follows:

 Whatever legal services your lawyer is providing, he or she must:

  •  Act competently, in a timely way, and in accordance with any 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 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.  Those obligations are subject to other overriding duties, including duties to the courts and to the justice system.

 7.   Limitations on extent of our Obligations or Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by the law:

  • Our total liability to you (or any other person claiming through you, including any executor, assignee or nominee) whether in contract or any other legal ground, including negligence, howsoever arising out of your engagement of us on any matter, or series of related matters, will be limited to the greater of:

a)     The amount of our applicable fee charged (excluding office services charges, disbursements and GST); or

b)     The amount paid out under any relevant insurance policy held by us, up to a maximum of NZ$2,500,000.00.

  • In no circumstances will we be liable to you for loss of profit, indirect, consequential or special losses of any kind.

  • You may not commence any action against us more than one year after that cause of action has arisen.

8.   Client Files

Certain documents are retained in electronic form, however all working files are destroyed after 3 years after the date of closure of the file.