INFORMATION FOR CLIENTS 

Set out below is the information required by the Rules of Conduct and Client Care for Lawyers of the  New Zealand Law Society (Law Society). 

1 Fees: 

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

We may deduct from any funds held on your behalf in our trust account any fees, expenses or  disbursements for which we have provided an invoice. 

2 Professional Indemnity Insurance: 

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

3 Lawyers’ Fidelity Fund: 

The Law Society maintains the Lawyers’ Fidelity Fund for the purpose of providing clients of  lawyers with protection against pecuniary loss arising from theft by lawyers. The maximum  amount payable by the 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 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. 

4 Complaints: 

We maintain a procedure for handling any complaints by clients, designed to ensure that a  complaint is dealt with promptly and fairly. 

If you have a complaint about our services or charges, you may refer your complaint to the  person in our firm who has overall responsibility for your work. 

If you do not wish to refer your complaint to that person, or you are not satisfied with that  person’s response to your complaint, you may refer your complaint to Michael Robertson. He  may be contacted by letter; by email to mrobertson@robertsonslaw.co.nz; or by telephoning  him on +64 9 362 7051. 

If Michael Robertson is the person who has overall responsibility for your work then you should  refer your complaint to Helen Twomey of this firm by email to htwomey@robertsonslaw.co.nz;  or by telephone +64 9 362 7052. 

The Law Society operates the Lawyers Complaints Service and you are able to make a complaint  to that service. To do so, phone 0800 261 801 and you will be connected to the nearest  Complaints Service Office, which can provide information and advice about making a complaint. 

5 Persons Responsible for the Work: 

The names and status of the person or persons who will have the general carriage of, or overall  responsibility for, the services we provide for you are set out in our Letter of Engagement.

6 Client Care and Service: 

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

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. 

∙ 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. 

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

7 Limitations on extent of our Obligations or Liability 

Any limitations on the extent of our obligations to you or any limitation or exclusion of liability  are set out in our Letter of Engagement.