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The NZLS inspectorate is responsible for ensuring solicitors have appropriate trust accounting systems in place and that the Act, Regulations and Rules are being complied with.
The Committee acts as a liaison between the Wellington District Law Society and the New Zealand Law Society Inspectorate. We meet monthly with our inspectors, Iain Watson and John Hicks, and have an open line of communication at all other times. Our role is also to act as the eyes and ears of the Society at local level and to implement the procedures under the Law Practitioners Act in cases where it is necessary to take action in respect of any trust account or nominee company.
A member of the Committee and an audit inspector interview practitioners who wish to commence practice on their own account to supplement the information gathered from the referees and Flying Start examination. The result of that interview is given to Council, which makes the decision whether or not to give the authority under section 55.
We try to ensure that any potential problems are identified early and where possible we 'get alongside' practitioners to help them through difficulties before they develop into something more serious.
The Committee will have a continuing role, which is not expected to be materially different, under the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006. The exact role of the Committee in that context will depend on the rules yet to be drafted. |