Insights to Client Information 

The Lawyers: Conduct and Client Care Rules in accordance with the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006 requires the following information to be provided by lawyers to their clients:

Basis for Fees

Fees will be charged as set out in our Legal Services Agreement (LSA). Our Terms of Engagement will provide the schedule of fees – when, how and for what they are to be paid. 

Any fees, expenses or disbursements for which we have provided an invoice may be deducted from any funds held on your behalf in our trust account.

Our Obligations to the Client

Our LSA shall include our commitment to:
  • Endeavour to act competently in accordance with instructions received.
  • Fully discuss with you your circumstances and objectives and how the latter may be best fulfilled.
  • Give you clear information and honest advice on realistic outcomes.
  • Protect and promote your interests and act for you free from compromise or conflicting loyalties.
  • Provide you with information and keep you informed about the work at hand, who is handling it, and the way the services will be and are being provided.
  • 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.
  • Treat you with fairness and respect, without bias and prejudgement and without discrimination.
  • Outline a complaints procedure and inform you of how to make a complaint.
  • Deal with any complaint promptly and fairly.

Lawyers Fidelity Fund/Professional Indemnity Insurance

Save for loss occasioned by money invested on instructions by their lawyer, the New Zealand Law Society maintains the Lawyers Fidelity Fund to provide clients of lawyers with protection against pecuniary loss arising from theft by their lawyers. The Fidelity Fund can compensate individual claimants to the maximum value of $100,000.

Apart from the Fidelity fund, professional indemnity insurance to the standards specified by the New Zealand Law Society is required to be held at all times.

Complaints Procedure

The LSA incorporates a complaints procedure designed to ensure that a client’s complaint is dealt with efficiently, with due regard to fairness and justice. The complaints procedure directs complainants through a process requiring preliminary contact with the person in our firm who has overall responsibility for work done on their behalf. If the client does not wish to refer their complaint to that person or is not satisfied with that person's response, the complaint may be referred to the Director. 

Our Director may be contacted by writing to:

The Director
GarciaLaw New Zealand Limited
P.O. Box 33038
North Shore City 0740
Auckland,New Zealand

The Law Society also operates the Lawyers Complaints Service where complaints may be initiated by phoning 0800 261 801. The client will be connected to the nearest Complaints Service office, which can provide information and advice about making a complaint. 

The obligations our lawyers owe to clients are described in the LSA. Those obligations are subject to other overriding duties, including duties to the courts and to the justice system. 

If you have any questions, please visit www.lawsociety.org.nz or call the New Zealand Law Society (0800 261 801).

Contact Information

Physical Address:
GarciaLaw is incorporated under  
Doug Cowan Barristers & Solicitors
486 New North Road
Kingsland, Auckland 1021.

Mailing Address:
PO Box 15-466
New Lynn, 
Auckland City 0640

Contact details:
Angie Burling
P 09 600 6100
M +64 21 256 3619 
angie.rbglaw@gmail.com

What They Say

" I was immediately confident with Paulo when he seemed to understand all the variables and timing related to our situation; and he was able to provide precise answers and examples for all the different scenarios. It was obvious that Paulo had dealt with similar clients, which further boosted our confidence."

Steve and Shannon Turner

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