Services
Service commitment
When providing my tax legal services, I will:
- Act competently, in a timely way, and in accordance with instructions received and arrangements made;
- Provide you with information about the work to be done, who will do it and the way the services will be provided;
- Give you information, advice and documents that are clear, excellent and in plain English;
- Keep you informed about the work being done and advise you when it is completed;
- Charge you a fee that is fair and reasonable and let you know how and when you will be billed;
- Protect your privacy and ensure appropriate confidentiality;
- Protect and promote your interests and act for you free from compromising influences or loyalties;
- Treat you fairly, respectfully and without discrimination; and
- Let you know how to make a complaint and deal with any complaint promptly and fairly.
The above obligations that lawyers owe to clients are described in the Rules of Conduct and Client Care for Lawyers. Those obligations are subject to various other overriding duties, including duties to the courts and the justice system.
If you have any questions regarding these, please contact me or the New Zealand Law Society on 0800 261 801 or www.lawsociety.org.nz.
General Terms of Engagement
Hourly rates for work
My fee for any services provided will be a fair and reasonable charge for the work involved.
My fees will generally be based on my hourly rate for time and attendances relating to the matter in question, but fee may not be limited to that rate alone and may be adjusted for factors such as complexity of the matter, value of the transaction, urgency, results achieved, and the like.
As a general rule, my current hourly rate is $300 per hour, plus GST.
From time to time variations to my hourly rate may apply, for instance, fixed fee arrangements.
Administration costs and disbursements
I do not charge for any administrative costs such as telephone calls, postage, and small photocopying jobs.
I will, however, charge for other disbursements (including third party fees, court fees and search and registration fees) and travel expenses incurred with the prior consent of my client. These will be charged at cost and itemised separately. You will be notified if any fees or disbursements need to be paid in advance.
Billing arrangements
I issue interim accounts, usually monthly, while work is in progress, with a final bill on completion. My invoices are due for payment within 14 days – payment details will be included on the bill. I reserve the right to charge interest on overdue accounts at the same rate as my bankers charge for unsecured overdraft facilities at the relevant time.
Professional indemnity insurance & fidelity fund
I hold indemnity insurance that meets or exceeds the minimum standards set by the New Zealand Law Society. I will provide you with the particulars of the minimum standards on request.
The Lawyers’ Fidelity Fund also provides a limited form of cover in certain circumstances, generally excluding investment monies. As I do not operate a trust account, the Fidelity Fund is unlikely to apply to the services I provide.
Limitation of liability
In all circumstances, of whatever nature and however arising (including for negligence or breach of contract), my maximum liability (including for interest and costs, if any) will be no more than the amount of my professional indemnity insurance cover for the matter in question.
Complaints
Any complaints or concerns should be referred to me in the first instance and will responded to as a matter of urgency.
Please note that you can also make a complaint to the New Zealand Law Society’s Lawyers’ Complaints Service, at P O Box 494, Wellington 6140, by phone on 0800 261 801, or by email to complaints@lawsociety.org.nz.