Information for Clients |
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As required by the Law Society's Conduct and Client Care Rules, I provide you with the following information.
FEES
The basis on which fees will be charged and when payment of fees is to be made is set out in my attached terms of engagement.
It is my usual practice to give an estimate of the cost of the work to be completed. (Please note that an estimate is subject to change). On other occasions we may have agreed to a fixed fee or quote for the work to be undertaken. I will confirm any fixed fee or quote with you in writing.
The basis on which fees will be charged and when payment of fees is to be made is set out in my attached terms of engagement.
It is my usual practice to give an estimate of the cost of the work to be completed. (Please note that an estimate is subject to change). On other occasions we may have agreed to a fixed fee or quote for the work to be undertaken. I will confirm any fixed fee or quote with you in writing.
PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE
I hold personal indemnity insurance that meets minimum standards specified by the Law Society.
I hold personal indemnity insurance that meets minimum standards specified by the Law Society.
MONEY AND LAWYERS FIDELITY FUND (no cover)
Barristers are not permitted to hold client funds.
Barristers are not permitted to hold client funds.
- 3(a) Money paid in advance in anticipation of invoice yet to be rendered
If it is necessary for you to make payments in advance, whether to cover disbursements (including fees for experts or other services) or my fees, I can make arrangement for these to be held in the trust account of a law firm or other authorised organisation. You will be required to accept standard terms and conditions with that firm or organisation in relation to the arrangement. The Lawyers Fidelity Fund does not provide any cover in relation to me or any other barristers. If money has been deposited into an instructing solicitor's trust account, then you authorise me to deduct my fees from these funds (unless they have been provided for a particular purpose) and send you an invoice as required by the Lawyers Conveyancers Act (Trust Account) Regulations 2008.
- 3(b) Payment in advance of a fixed fee for work to be carried out (invoice rendered)
If I have given you a fixed fee or quote, I may require you to pay all or part of that fixed fee or quote with an invoice rendered in advance before any work is undertaken. I will provide you with regular updates of the work carried out by me and whether this is commensurate with the amount invoiced at that point. Sometimes as cases progress, my initial quote may need to be reassessed. However, this will always be discussed with you in advance, and I will confirm any changes in writing. If any work for which you have been invoiced in advance is not carried out (e.g. your matter is resolved sooner than anticipated), then I will refund the balance to you.
COMPLAINTS
I maintain a procedure for handling any complaints by clients, designed to ensure that a complaint is dealt with promptly and fairly. I would ask for your complaint to be put to me in writing. Then we would arrange a meeting to discuss the complaint and try to find a resolution to the problem. After this, you may if you wish to refer your complaint to the Law Society. To do so, you should contact the Secretary of the Canterbury Westland Branch of the New Zealand Law Society.
The Law Society operates the Lawyers Complaints Service, and you can make a complaint to that service. To do so, phone 0800 261 801 or email complaints@lawsociety.org.nz and you will be directed to the nearest complaints service.
I maintain a procedure for handling any complaints by clients, designed to ensure that a complaint is dealt with promptly and fairly. I would ask for your complaint to be put to me in writing. Then we would arrange a meeting to discuss the complaint and try to find a resolution to the problem. After this, you may if you wish to refer your complaint to the Law Society. To do so, you should contact the Secretary of the Canterbury Westland Branch of the New Zealand Law Society.
The Law Society operates the Lawyers Complaints Service, and you can make a complaint to that service. To do so, phone 0800 261 801 or email complaints@lawsociety.org.nz and you will be directed to the nearest complaints service.
CAPACITY AND EXPERIENCE IN PERFORMING THE SERVICES
I have been practising the law for over ten years.
I have been practising the law for over ten years.
ADVOCACY EXPERIENCE AS A BARRISTER
I have been practising as a barrister and solicitor since February 2006. I commenced practice as a barrister sole on 15th July 2016.
I have been practising as a barrister and solicitor since February 2006. I commenced practice as a barrister sole on 15th July 2016.
ANY DISADVANTAGE WHICH I BELIEVE MAY BE SUFFERED BY YOU IF NO INSTRUCTING LAWYER IS RETAINED
I will inform you in writing if I believe there is a disadvantage which may be suffered by you if no instructing lawyer is retained.
I will inform you in writing if I believe there is a disadvantage which may be suffered by you if no instructing lawyer is retained.
CLIENT CARE AND SERVICE
The Law Society client care and service information is set out below.
Whatever legal services your lawyer is providing, he or she must:
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 the justice system.
If you have any questions, please visit www.lawsociety.org.nz or call 0800 261 801.
The Law Society client care and service information is set out below.
Whatever legal services your lawyer is providing, he or she must:
- 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.
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 the justice system.
If you have any questions, please visit www.lawsociety.org.nz or call 0800 261 801.
LIMITATIONS ON THE EXTENT OF MY OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITY
Any limitations on the extent of my obligations to you or any limitation or exclusion of liability are set out in my standard Terms of Engagement.
Any limitations on the extent of my obligations to you or any limitation or exclusion of liability are set out in my standard Terms of Engagement.