Letter From Auckland District Law Society President - Re: ADLS Incorporation

LawFuel.co.nz - The Law Jobs and Legal NewsWire

From ADLS President, Keith Berman - I refer to your article published on Lawfuel entitled “One Society still a dream for Kiwi lawyers”.

My council and I feel that there are two aspects of the article that require clarification to ensure a balanced report.

First, reference is made to the fact that “part of the Act’s purpose is to unify the professions 14 district law societies under one national body”. The Act makes no mention of this; One Society was not a consideration when the Act was drafted nearly 10 years ago.

The Act anticipated the continuation of district law societies as voluntary membership organizations, representing the interests of their members, as they have been doing for the last 130 years. The One Society model evolved over the last two years with a view to giving to all lawyers, wider access to the membership services provided by ADLS. Although ADLS might not become part of One Society, we will nevertheless be making our services available to any lawyer who wishes to utilize them.

Secondly, the article refers to the change in ADLS direction from 2007 being the result of a new council. This is incorrect as the current ADLS council comprises 14 members who have all served for many years. Only four new council members were elected this year.

Last week ADLS council unanimously resolved to recommend incorporation to its members. ADLS has been unable to reach any agreement with NZLS as to the future management and structure of the national body. The ADLS council felt that it had been left with no option but to safeguard its services, staff, assets and its future.

I would be grateful if you could publish this letter on your site to correctly reflect the current situation. The ADLS council is committed to ensuring the continued tradition of excellence that has been delivered by ADLS.

If you have any questions or would like further clarification please contact me, my vice presidents or any of my council members as listed on the letter of 1 August 2008.

ENDS

© Scoop Media