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Description

Duty lawyers are critical to the smooth running of a District Court list. This course gives you the basic knowledge and skills you need to apply to join this important group.

You will:

  • Undertake self-directed pre-course reading and preparation
  • Arrange to observe experienced duty lawyers for a minimum of five half days
  • Attend an introductory session in the centre in which you intend to practise (introductory session)
  • Work through case scenarios with an experienced duty lawyer (advising session)
  • Sit an open book exam (exam session)
  • Make critiqued practice appearances (practice court session)
  • Be observed and assessed while making your first real appearance as a duty lawyer (final assessed appearance).

Ministry of Justice Requirements

As well as completion of the programme, you will need to meet Ministry of Justice listing criteria for duty lawyers. Note that being listed as a duty lawyer does not guarantee a place on any roster. See the Ministry of Justice website for more information.

Administration

Introductory, advising, exam and practice court sessions are all run in five main centres. Introductory sessions are also held in a number of smaller centres. (If you are from a town which is not shown below, we may be able to help you organise a separate introductory session.)

Your introductory session and final assessed appearance must be attended in the centre in which you intend to practise.

All participants are required to attend the advising, exam, and practice court sessions in one of the main centres. These sessions are held on a Friday afternoon and the following Saturday morning.

Learning objectives

At the completion of this programme you will be able to:

  • Recognise what information is required to advise list court defendants.
  • Advise defendants as to their best course of action.
  • Recognise when to seek advice from a more experienced duty lawyer.
  • Recognise the limits of the duty lawyer role.
  • Make appropriate applications/submissions for a defendant.
  • Recognise and respond appropriately to ethical issues which may arise.
  • Know how to interact appropriately with the Community Probation Service, Police, the Forensic Nurse and other services assisting in the list court.

Who should attend

This course is for practitioners who intend to apply to be listed as a duty lawyer.

Note: It is possible to register and complete the majority of the course without a practising certificate, but you must hold a practising certificate for your final assessed appearance. Your final assessed appearance must take place within two years of your practice court session.

Materials

Materials are couriered about a month before your introductory session.

You will need to read all instructions, requirements and assessment procedures to ensure you are fully prepared for each component of the course.

We suggest that you register at least three weeks before the introductory session you wish to attend so that you can start your observations and preparation for the introductory session.

Timing

  • Introductory session: 2.00pm – 5.30pm
  • Advising & exam session: 1.00pm – 6.00pm
  • Practice court session: 8.30am – 1.30pm

Fee (incl GST)

Law Society Members benefit from up to 30% off 

Entry Level Workshop

Fee includes all materials and catering.
  • $765 – Law Society members & associate members
  • $1,090 – Non-members

Do you want to register more than one person for this course? Use the 'register others' button below or Click here 

Download PDF registration form

Centre Introductory Session (Friday) Advising and Exam Session (Friday) Practice Court Session (Saturday)
Christchurch 21 February 4 April 5 April
Timaru 21 February 4 April (In Chch) 5 April (In Chch)
Queenstown 21 February 4 April (In Chch) 5 April (In Chch)
Wellington 1 14 March 2 May 3 May
Nelson 14 March 2 May (in Wgtn) 3 May (in Wgtn)
Auckland 28 March 23 May 24 May
Gisborne 28 March 23 May (in Akld) 24 May (in Akld)
Hamilton 6 June 18 July 19 July
Tauranga 4 June (Wednesday) 18 July (in Ham) 19 July (in Ham)
Rotorua 6 June 18 July (in Ham) 19 July (in Ham)
Dunedin 13 June 8 August 9 August
Invercargill 13 June 8 August (in Dun) 9 August (in Dun)
Manukau 25 July 5 September 6 September
Whangarei 25 July 5 September (in Mnku) 6 September (in Mnku)
Wellington 2 12 September 7 November 8 November
Whanganui 12 September 7 November (in Wgtn) 8 November (in Wgtn)
Hawkes Bay 12 September 7 November (in Wgtn) 8 November (in Wgtn)
New Plymouth 12 September 7 November (in Wgtn) 8 November (in Wgtn)
Palmerston North 12 September 7 November (in Wgtn) 8 November (in Wgtn)

Cancellation Policy

Before Introductory session*
*Note: materials must be returned unused before refund will be processed.
Notice given Refund
10+ working days $665 (fee – $100 administration)
0-9 working days $615 (fee – $150 administration)
Before advising & exam session and/or practice court session
Notice given Refund
10+ working days $415 (fee – $350 administration)
0-9 working days No refund

Transfer Policy

Note: transfer is available only within this calendar year.
Auckland and Manukau are separate centres and require a formal transfer.

Introductory session
No transfer is possible for the introductory session as it must be attended in the region in which you intend to practise.
Advising & exam session and/or practice court session
Notice given Fee payable
10+ working days $200
5-9 working days $250
0-4 working days Transfer not possible, treated as cancellation. See cancellation details above

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