Info For Clients

FEES

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

If we hold funds on your behalf, you authorise us to deduct our fees from those funds (unless they have been provided for a particular purpose) and send you an invoice as required by the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act (Trust Account) Regulations 2008.

PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE

We hold professional indemnity insurance that meets or exceeds the minimum standards specified by the New Zealand Law Society. We will provide you with particulars of the minimum standards upon request.

LAWYER’S 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 a lawyer.  The maximum amount payable by the Lawyers Fidelity Fund by way of compensation to an individual claimant is limited to $100,000.  Except in certain circumstances specified in the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006, the Lawyers Fidelity Fund does not cover a client for any loss relating to money that a lawyer is instructed to invest on behalf of the client.

PERSONS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WORK

The names and status of the person who will have the overall responsibility for your work is set out in our Engagement Letter.

COMPLAINTS

If you have a complaint about us or our services, you should refer your complaint to:

Nick Lodder
nick.lodder@donnellsherry.co.nz
+64 9 309 4377 

If you do not wish to refer your complaint to Nick Lodder, or you are not satisfied with the response received, you should refer your complaint to the complaints service established by the New Zealand Law Society at the following address:

New Zealand Law Society
PO Box 5041, Lambton Quay
Wellington 5145
+64 4 472 7837

CLIENT CARE + SERVICE

We are committed to complying with the NZLS Rules in respect of client care and service.  To comply with the NZLS Rules we must:

1. act competently, in a timely way, and in accordance with any instructions received and arrangements made with you;

2. protect and promote your interests and act for you free from compromising influences or loyalties;

3. discuss with you your objectives and how they should best be achieved;

4. provide you with information about the work that we will undertake, who will do the work, and the way our services will be provided to you;

5. charge you a fee that is fair and reasonable and advise you when you will be billed;

6. give you clear information and advice;

7. protect your privacy and ensure appropriate confidentiality;

8. treat you fairly, respectfully and without discrimination;

9. keep you informed about the work being done and advise you when it is completed; and

10. let you know how to make a complaint and deal with any complaint fairly and promptly.

The obligations lawyers owe to clients are described in the NZLS Rules. Those obligations are subject to other overriding duties, including duties to the courts and to the justice system.

LIMITATIONS ON EXTENT OF OUR OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITY

Limitations on the extent of our obligations to you and of our liability are set out in our Terms of Engagement.

FUTHER INFORMATION

If you have any questions in in relation to our obligations regarding client care and services, please visit www.nz-lawsoc.org.nz or call 0800 261 801.