This book is only available in PDF format

Published: 1 November 2010
Pages: 65

Introduction

This seminar is particularly focused on the non-litigation work that solicitors undertake. In this role solicitors occupy a pivotal role in the community. They are trusted intermediaries and their presence means that numerous cumbersome safeguards which might otherwise be needed when undertaking transactions can be dispensed with. They are also loyal advisors who can be trusted with the carriage of their clients’ affairs.

The distinction between barrister and solicitor has been ambiguous in New Zealand more or less since the founding of an indigenous profession. However it bears noting that the origins of a solicitor’s role were as a commercial agent and the shape of the duties imposed on a lawyer acting as a solicitor have been affected by this.

A solicitor is, however, also an officer of the Court. Thus the Court will supervise the conduct of solicitors in the transactions they undertake. The High Court may discipline solicitors in the exercise of its inherent jurisdiction.

There are a number of attributes which have become associated with the practice of law as a solicitor (which overlap significantly with practice as a barrister). They are touched on here by way of introduction, and some will be dealt with more thoroughly later on.