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Information for clients

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Client care and service information

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The Law Society’s client care and service information is set out below.

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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 to the justice system.

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If you have any questions, please visit www.lawsociety.org.nz or call 0800 261 801.

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Complaints mechanism

 

If you have a complaint about the services you have received, please contact me on 027 592 1389 or email me at: riaan@riaangeldenhuys.co.nz.

 

If I am unable to resolve a complaint or concern you may contact:

 

The Lawyers Complaints Service

Phone: 0800 261 801

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

Email: complaints@lawsociety.org.nz
 

Financial, insurance and liability limitation matters

 

I hold professional indemnity insurance that meets the standards specified by the New Zealand Law Society.

 

The Lawyers’ Fidelity Fund does not provide any cover in relation to a barrister sole as he or she does not hold client’s funds.

 

There is a liability limitation clause in my standard terms and conditions that limits the extent of my obligation to you or limits or excludes liability. 

 

Information for direct instructions

 

I am authorised by the Law Society to take direct instructions, without the intervention of an instructing lawyer in relation to certain matters.  

 

My capacity and experience is outlined in www.riaangeldenhuys.co.nz, including my advocacy experience as a barrister.

 

Disadvantages which may be suffered if no instructing lawyer is retained: 

  • Where there are onerous document management functions, including discovery; 

  • Where the size and scale of the case requires several lawyers acting concurrently;

  • Where the use of a solicitor would result in lower costs to the client (for example, where junior staff should be used to handle some tasks);

  • Where there is a risk that the barrister’s independence may be compromised, including where the barrister may be required to give evidence as a result of authoring correspondence of a contentious nature.

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