About NZILE

NZILE CODE OF ETHICS

INTRODUCTION

Persons registered as members of The New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives Inc (the Institute) become bound by its Rules. They must:

1. support the aims and objects of the Institute; and
2. uphold the standards of professional practice prescribed in the Code of Ethics.

The Rules provide for a Disciplinary Committee to be established which has power to consider and determine any complaint that a member is guilty of conduct unbefitting a member of the Institute. The Committee may decide that such a person may be expelled or suspended from membership.

INTERPRETATION

In the Code of Ethics:

1. Members includes all categories of membership of the Institute.
2. References to the singular include the plural and vice versa.
3. References to one gender include the other gender.
4. Where Members are subject to other jurisdictions or legal systems than those of New Zealand they are expected to comply with these professional standards. Regard shall be had to the International Code of Ethics for the Legal Profession.
5. Principal means any Solicitor under whose name the Institute Members are practising whether that solicitor be the employer or is employed as a Solicitor retained by a company, firm, government department, local or territorial authority.

THE CODE OF ETHICS

1. Members shall conduct themselves in their professional life and employment in such manner:
   1. as to avoid any action or situation which may bring disrepute upon the Institute or its Members;
   2. as to avoid doubt being cast upon their own professional integrity;
   3. as will assist in the impartial administration of justice;
   4. as will recognise that the interests of the client are paramount to those of all others; save that at all times and in all matters Members' primary and overriding duty is to uphold the laws of New Zealand;

 

and shall observe and be bound by this Code of Ethics and the New Zealand Law Society Rules of Professional Conduct for Barristers and Solicitors.

2. Members shall not:
1. misuse the trust reposed in them nor reveal confidential information other than to those entitled to receive it;
2. for the personal gain of themselves or their family take advantage of information gained in the course of their conduct of any matter;
3. discriminate against any person or treat any person less favourably because of their age, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion or political persuasion than they would treat others.

3. Members shall at all times work within the framework of the law and shall use their best endeavours to avoid any breach of the law by their employer or clients.

GENERAL

1. Members should accept such work as they are competent to handle and perform such duties without fear or favour but where advisable will obtain additional expertise or guidance as directed by the Principal.
2. Members should endeavour to maintain the highest level of legal knowledge within their chosen field and to that end be aware of changes in the law or legal practice.
3. Members should consider themselves accountable for their own work and ensure that those they supervise are equipped to carry out their duties in a competent manner.
4. Members should ensure that they and their subordinates are familiar with The Law Practitioners Act 1988, the New Zealand Law Society Rules of Professional Conduct for Barristers and Solicitors, the Solicitors' Nominee Mortgage Company Rules 1996, The Trust Account Regulations and the Privacy Act 1993 as are from time to time in force and will comply with those that are relevant to any work undertaken.
5. Members should not without the specific consent of a client give any interview or make any public statement relating to the client or the affairs of the client whether or not the client is involved in a matter of public knowledge.

EMPLOYMENT

1. Members shall use their best endeavours to avoid circumstances in which their duties and their private interests conflict or may appear to conflict and will make immediate and full disclosure of any personal interest which may occur to both their Principal and the client.
2. Members shall not receive a reward, whether financial or otherwise of which a client is unaware in respect of services rendered to the client.
3. Members shall not act for more than one party in the same transaction or matter without the prior informed consent of both or all parties.
4. Members shall refrain from acting or advising in any matter where their ability to advise objectively may be impaired.
5. Members shall at all times keep the client promptly and effectively informed of progress and developments in the matter being undertaken.
6. Members shall always use their best endeavours to ensure the safety and security of deeds, documents and data whether under their personal control or in the care of their Principal.
7. Where Members become aware of a potential claim for negligence they shall immediately inform the Principal.

OTHER

1. Members in dealings with other professionals whether in the same employment or not will recognise that each has obligations to their own client and to their employer and will not attempt to injure the reputation or professional standing of another professional.
2. Members shall promote and maintain proper standards of professionalism in relations with other Practitioners and shall not impugn a person's reputation without good cause.

* Print version of the NZILE Code of Ethics & Rules Booklet (MS Word, 190Kb)

Next Page >> NZILE Rules