This book is only available in PDF format 
Published: 12 June, 2006
Pages: 350

Introduction from the Chair

“Now, here, you see, it takes all the running you can do, to keep in the same place. If you want to get somewhere else you must run at least twice as fast as that!”

Lewis Carroll 1832-98 “Through the looking-glass” (1872)

It must be accepted by all property lawyers that to stand still will actually put us all well behind. In fact, as Lewis Carroll perceptively recognised, even this sustained effort may not advance our progress.

While this applies to all disciplines, it is particularly relevant to property lawyers. Not only do we have to keep abreast of changes in the law as diverse as securities issues, building and construction and, shortly, the new unit titles legislation, we are also facing, through e-dealing, fundamental technological changes to the ways in which we have traditionally registered our clients’ property interests. This, in turn, brings about changes, and impacts on the way we deal with each other. In addition, we face greater threats from those outside the law as they attempt to make inroads into our traditional practice areas.

So, what is the most effective way to ensure that we are not simply competitive, but rather the outstanding performers in our chosen practice area?

The answer is quite simple, we have to be better informed, technically excellent, practical and commercial to the extent that the quality of service and knowledge cannot be matched.

That is what being a property lawyer is all about. Put simply, we just have to be better than our competitors.

That is where we hope this conference comes into play; a conference which should equip you with the knowledge and skills to ensure that, in line with the theme of this programme, you are keeping ahead.

Chris Moore
Partner, Meredith Connell
Auckland

Authors

Author(s): Rob McInnes, Greg Kelly, Jane Holland, Tim Jones, Christine Grice, Isabel Mitchell, Andrew Ryan, Simon Marks, John Mackintosh, Anne Wilson, Chris Kelly, Simon Weil, Michelle Burke, John Stephens, Gayatri Jaduram, Richard McIlraith, Niamh McMahon, Deane Purdue, Marcus Elliott, Anna Bordignon, Jonathan Kaye, Cecilia Farrow, Susan Bright, Shelley Griffiths