Duty Lawyer Review

Overview

The Legal Services Commissioner has engaged KPMG to undertake an independent review of the duty lawyer service. The review is supported by an advisory group that includes representatives from the legal profession, the judiciary, the Public Defence Service and court staff. The review team are keen to hear your views about the Duty Lawyer Service. 

The duty lawyer service ensures access to justice for unrepresented defendants. The object of the duty lawyer service is to ensure that a sufficient number of lawyers are available at each District Court for the purpose of assisting, advising, and representing unrepresented defendants charged with a criminal offence. You can review the policy here: Duty lawyers | New Zealand Ministry of Justice.

The review team will visit a selection of sites to observe the duty lawyer service in action and to interview the various stakeholders engaged with the duty lawyer service. However, they also want to give criminal lawyers and court managers from across New Zealand the opportunity to express their views on issues relating to the review. 

Each question about the duty lawyer service is optional if you do not wish to respond to any particular question. 

Why your views matter

It is important that stakeholders at any location have an opportunity to take part in the review and help us report on how to improve the duty lawyer service. The survey of 5-6 questions, depending on your role, is easy to complete and each question provides space for you to provide your own comments. 

Responses to this survey will be anonymous. No identifiable data, or your location will be collected.  

Please contact us if you would prefer to give your feedback by email – dutylawyerreview@justice.govt.nz.