If you have any documents (eg employment contract, parenting order, letters), emails or images the lawyer should see, please email them to info@wclc.org.nz
*Please note that we are experiencing higher than usual demand for our services. If your query is urgent and you aren’t unwell/isolating, please come to one of our drop-in sessions in person- find a time that suits you here or give us a call on (04) 499 2928
Your Rights When Seeing a Lawyer
Rules of Conduct and Client Care
The Rules of Conduct and Client Care for Lawyers require us to give you the following information before you see one of our volunteer lawyers.
How they treat you and talk to you
Your lawyer must treat you fairly, respectfully and without discrimination
They have to give you clear information and advice
Protecting you and your interests
They must protect and promote your interests, including your privacy
Carrying out the work
Your lawyer must act competently, follow your instructions, and do the work on time
They must discuss your objectives with you and how best to achieve them
They have to tell you about the work that will be done, who exactly will do it, and how they’ll do it. They have to keep you informed as the work is being done and tell you when it’s finished
Fees
Any fee you’re charged has to be fair, and you must be told how and when you will have to pay (but Community Law doesn’t charge fees)
Complaints
Your lawyer has to tell you how to make a complaint, and they have to deal with any complaint quickly and fairly
Making a Complaint
If you are unhappy about the service you’ve received from us, we encourage you to use our Complaints Procedure. You can find out more about this by asking at the reception desk or emailing info@wclc.org.nz
The Law Society also has a complaints service. You can contact them at:
www.lawsociety.org.nz | 0800 261 801 | complaints@lawsociety.org.nz
Professional Indemnity Insurance
We hold professional indemnity insurance that meets the minimum standards set by the Law Society. We can give you details about this if you ask at reception.
Lawyers’ Fidelity Fund
The Law Society maintains a fund of money, the Lawyers’ Fidelity Fund, which provides protection for people if any of their money is stolen by their lawyer. Community Law’s legal services are free and we don’t receive or keep any money or valuables on trust for our clients, so the Fidelity Fund isn’t relevant to our services.
Check out our online resources:
Community Law Manual Bookshop