President's Column - July 2020
Kia ora koutou
Since my last column, we celebrated Matariki - the Maori New Year - a time for us New Zealanders to gather with family and friends, reflect on the past, be thankful for the present, and celebrate new life. It is so fitting that a new life has started in my own family during this time, with the arrival of baby Andrew, who is healthy, thriving and doing all the usual baby things. It feels like my in-house legal skills are being put to use at home in a way - juggling competing priorities, managing demands from my "new" client and dealing with unexpected messes.
Pause, reflect, share
When we’re focused on the work in front of us, we can forget to pause and reflect. This month we’re encouraging ILANZ members to take a moment to do just this – to reflect on either a personal accomplishment or the efforts of an in-house colleague or team that you think are worth sharing with the wider in-house community. We look forward to hearing about your great work and sharing these insights and ideas with our other members.
In-house to in chambers: Dani Lee Gardiner appointed Associate Judge of the High Court
We are delighted to highlight the appointment of Dani Lee Gardiner as an Associate Judge of the High Court in Auckland. Before her appointment to the High Court, Associate Judge Gardiner was General Counsel for Auckland Council.
Law Society Vice President Jacque Lethbridge noted at Justice Gardiner’s swearing in ceremony last week “Outside of Crown Law, it is rare to see an appointment from the profession’s in-house lawyer ranks and I would like to take a moment to recognise this milestone. We can all take pride in this appointment and your elevation encourages other in-house lawyers to put themselves forward for Judicial Appointment, widening the pool of diverse talent for this important public office”.
Congratulations Associate Judge Gardiner -- we wish you every success in this important role.
Regulation and reform
Over the last month, your ILANZ committee has contributed feedback on the proposed changes to the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act (Lawyers: Conduct and Client Care) Rules 2008 and Lawyers and Conveyancers Act (Lawyers: Ongoing Legal Education – Continuing Professional Development) Rules 2013. A copy of our submission is available here.
We’re also pleased to confirm that a member’s bill was selected from the parliamentary ballot that would allow more scope for in-house lawyers to provide pro bono legal services. This development will be welcomed by our members and we look forward to engaging with you further on this as the bill moves through the parliamentary process.
And we are actively involved in contributing to the Law Society submission on the High Court Rules Committee consultation regarding costs for litigants in person, which seeks input on the topic of costs for in-house lawyers.
Zoom zoom zoom
Finally, Zoom (or Teams or Google Meet or...) has become a regular companion for even the most technically-hesitant in recent months. One of the few benefits of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the gigantic proof point it created for the effectiveness of flexible and remote working. Collaboration tools and technology are underpinning and accellerating changes in how we work – allowing us to effectively connect, coordinate, create and counsel no matter where we are. This month, our selected TED Talk features Zoom CEO and founder, Eric Yuan on how it all began and his vision of the future.
Noho ora mai rā