The obligations lawyers owe to clients are described in the Rules of Conduct and Client Care for Lawyers of the New Zealand Law Society (‘NZLS’). Lawyers representing you are required to enter into formal 'Terms of Engagement' . This is a contract for service and any breaches can be reported to the New Zealand Law Society - 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 the services will be provided
> 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
Legal Aid
Civil/family legal aid usually requires an initial contribution of $50 unless the application is for a Protection Order under the Domestic Violence Act. Criminal legal aid does not require an initial contribution.
Whether it is criminal or civil/family legal aid, you may have to pay some money (a "contribution") towards your legal aid, depending on your income and assets. If you do, you’ll be told this when you’re told if you’ve been granted legal aid. If you’re a beneficiary with no assets, it’s unlikely that you’ll have to pay any money. If you do have to pay some money, this will be a debt that you will owe the Ministry of Justice. More info here - trust http://www.communitylaw.org.nz/Legal-Aid.22.0.html

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