10 Things to Know Before You Hire an Attorney in New Zealand

Hiring a lawyer in New Zealand isn’t like shopping for a new phone or booking a flight.

It’s higher stakes.

It’s more personal.

If you get it wrong, the cost isn’t just financial—it’s emotional, legal, and long-lasting.

But here’s what makes it worse:

Most people don’t know what to look for in a lawyer until it’s too late.

So if you’re:

• Facing a legal issue for the first time
• Not sure who to trust
• Or overwhelmed by the endless law firm websites that all sound the same…

This guide is your go-to checklist.

We’re giving you 10 no-fluff things to consider before you hire an attorney in New Zealand — so you feel confident, protected, and clear-headed when making one of the most important decisions of your life.

Why Choosing the Right Attorney Matters in New Zealand

The truth is:

The lawyer you choose can make or break your case.

Whether it’s:

• An immigration appeal
• A business contract gone bad
• A nasty divorce
• A criminal charge
• Or buying your first home…

The law in New Zealand is real, binding, and sometimes brutally complex.

A good lawyer helps you win.

A bad lawyer leaves you confused, broke, or worse — legally exposed.

So no, you don’t want the cheapest option.

You want the right fit — someone who knows your issue, speaks your language (literally or legally), and has the skill to protect your best interests.

What Makes New Zealand’s Legal System Unique?

• No tipping the scales. Courts in NZ aren’t swayed by drama — only evidence and preparation win.
• No U.S.-style grandstanding. Judges expect lawyers to know their stuff, not perform for the room.
• Cultural competency matters. With Māori, Pacific, and immigrant communities, you need someone who understands nuance — not just statutes.

The “Just Pick One” Trap

Many people:

• Google “lawyer near me”
• Click the first ad
• Book a consult and hope for the best.

That’s a recipe for frustration (or, worse, regret).

What you need is a checklist.

A filter.

A way to separate the “all talk” from the “actually got results” types.

And that’s exactly what we’re giving you next.

10 Things to Consider Before Hiring an Attorney in New Zealand

✅ Lawyer Evaluation Checklist

✅ Factor	Lawyer 1	Lawyer 2	Lawyer 3
Specialises in your legal issue	☐	☐	☐
Registered + in good standing	☐	☐	☐
Communicates clearly (no legalese)	☐	☐	☐
Transparent about pricing and billing	☐	☐	☐
Strong reviews from real clients	☐	☐	☐
Easy to contact and responsive	☐	☐	☐
Courtroom or mediation experience (if needed)	☐	☐	☐
Honest about risks and likely outcomes	☐	☐	☐
Understands your background/culture	☐	☐	☐
You feel confident and trust them	☐	☐	☐

Score: ___/10 per lawyer | ✏️ Make notes and trust your gut.

Not all lawyers are created equal.

Some are brilliant in the courtroom. Others are great on paper and ghost you after you pay.

Some will handle your property sale like clockwork. Others will file the wrong form and cost you six weeks.

Here’s how to hire the right one — not just the one with the fanciest website.

1. Do They Specialise in the Type of Case You Have?

This one’s not optional.

You wouldn’t ask your dentist to do heart surgery.

So why would you ask a commercial lawyer to handle your immigration appeal?

New Zealand law is highly specialized.

Some lawyers only do:

• Immigration
• Employment disputes
• Family law (divorce, custody)
• Property/conveyancing
• Criminal defence
• Business contracts
• Māori legal rights
• Wills and trusts

So ask upfront:

“Do you specialize in [insert your issue here]?”

“How many cases like mine have you handled in the past year?”

A good lawyer will tell you exactly what they do (and don’t do).

A generalist who says, “I can handle anything,” may not be the one to trust.

Quick Test:

If you’re going through a:

• Divorce → You want a family lawyer with Family Court experience
• Visa rejection → You want an immigration lawyer familiar with appeals
• Business dispute → You want a commercial litigation lawyer, not a “small business adviser.”

Red Flags:

• They pause when you ask about past cases
• They say, “Sure, we can try that,” with no detail
• Their website lists 10+ practice areas but no depth on any

2. Are They Registered and In Good Standing?

Yes — you need to check.

Just because someone has an office, a logo, and a nice website doesn’t mean they’re legally allowed to practice law in New Zealand.

Scary? Yep.

Surprising? It shouldn’t be.

Here’s What to Do (Takes 30 Seconds):

Go to the New Zealand Law Society’s public register.

🔗 Find a Lawyer Tool – NZ Law Society

Search their name. You’ll see:

• If they’re currently licensed
• What type of work they’re authorized to do
• Their firm and contact details
• Whether they’ve been disciplined

Why This Matters

You’re about to hand over:

• Your personal info
• Your legal vulnerability
• And often, thousands of dollars

You want to know that the person representing you:

• Is legally authorized to do so
• Is in good standing (no unresolved complaints, no suspensions)
• Won’t ghost you the second you pay a deposit

Red Flags:

• They dodge the “Are you registered?” question
• They say they work “with a lawyer” but aren’t one themselves
• They claim to “consult” or “advise” without giving you their license number
• They only operate through WhatsApp (🚩 always a scam)

Reminder: Only lawyers can give legal advice in New Zealand.

Someone who isn’t registered shouldn’t be helping you — no matter how friendly or “connected” they seem.

3. Do They Communicate Clearly — or Hide Behind Legalese?

You don’t need to understand the New Zealand Crimes Act 1961.

You need to understand what it means for you — in plain English.

A good lawyer explains:

• Your options
• Your risks
• What’s happening now and what comes next
• Without making you feel dumb or lost

Ask Yourself After the First Call or Meeting:

• Did I actually understand what they said?
• Or did I nod along to a bunch of words I didn’t get?

If they say:

“We’ll need to file under section 84 of the legislation, which establishes precedence, of course…”

Translation: They’re either showing off or not paying attention to you.

If they say:

“You have two options. This one takes longer but is cheaper. This one is faster but riskier. Here’s what I recommend and why…”

That’s a keeper.

What Good Communication Looks Like:

• They answer your emails within 1–2 working days
• They actually return your calls (or at least acknowledge them)
• Their legal advice includes context, not just rules
• They check in even when you’re not chasing them

Red Flags:

• Every answer is vague or padded with jargon
• You leave more confused than when you walked in
• You feel talked down to, dismissed, or rushed

Tip: If your lawyer makes you feel stupid, fire them. There are plenty who don’t.

4. Do They Offer Transparent Pricing?

If you ask, “How much will this cost?” and they say:

“It depends. We’ll see how it goes.”

That’s not an answer. That’s a problem.

Good Lawyers Talk Money Upfront

There’s no shame in asking:

• What’s your hourly rate?
• Can you offer a flat fee?
• What’s your minimum retainer?
• Are there extra charges I should expect?

A trustworthy lawyer will answer all of those questions before they send you a contract.

Common Fee Structures in New Zealand

Type	What It Means
Flat fee	One price for the whole service (e.g. will drafting, house settlement)
Hourly rate	Charged by the hour – watch the clock and the email chains
Retainer	Lump sum you pay upfront; billed against it as they work
No win, no fee	Only applies to very specific personal injury cases — beware of this in general law

Pro Tip: Always ask what’s included — and what’s not.

What’s Often NOT in the Quote (But Will Show Up Later):

• Court filing fees
• Courier costs
• Disbursements (third-party services like interpreters, process servers)
• Admin charges (yes, you might get billed for “printing”)

Red Flags:

• No written quote or cost agreement
• “We’ll invoice you once we assess the case further…”
• Pressure to pay before explaining the scope
• The final bill is double what you expected — and they’re “sorry” but not surprised

Signs You’ve Found a Straight-Up, Trustworthy Lawyer:

• Fixed fees for predictable services
• Time estimates and billing intervals are explained clearly
• Email or phone updates with a cost summary attached
• They help you prioritize legal steps if you’re on a budget

Because let’s be honest — it’s not just about winning. It’s about affording to win.

When you’re hiring a lawyer, what you think about them matters…

…but what do past clients say?

That’s where the truth lives.

5. What Do Past Clients Say About Them?

You wouldn’t hire a mechanic without checking reviews.

You wouldn’t book a hotel without reading what other guests said.

So why would you hire a lawyer who could impact your freedom, finances, or family without knowing what past clients went through?

Where to Look (and What to Look For):

• Google Reviews
• NZ Law Society Complaints Register (for severe issues)
• Facebook & Trustpilot (optional, more emotion-driven)
• Legal directories like LawFuel or FindLaw NZ

Look for:

• Patterns
• Language
• Themes
• Emotional tone (relief vs resentment)

Green Flags in Reviews:

• “They explained everything clearly…”
• “I always felt supported and informed…”
• “They helped me settle faster than expected…”
• “Called me back the same day I emailed…”

Bonus: Look for specifics over generic praise.

“Helped me through my parent visa appeal in 2023 after two previous rejections.”

That’s gold.

Red Flags in Reviews:

• “Didn’t respond for days.”
• “I had to chase them every time I needed an update.”
• “Surprised me with fees I didn’t expect.”
• “I felt like just another case number.”

One or two bad reviews? Fine. Nobody’s perfect.

But patterns? That’s your sign.

Also, Beware of Review-Free Zones

If a law firm has:

• No reviews
• No testimonials
• No case examples
• No client stories anywhere…

It doesn’t necessarily mean they’re bad — but it does mean you’re flying blind.

6. Are They Easy to Reach?

Here’s what no one tells you until it’s too late:

A brilliant lawyer who doesn’t return your emails is useless.

Silence isn’t just frustrating when you’re stressed, waiting for answers, or trying to decide on a deadline — it’s dangerous.

Availability = Everything

Ask before you hire:

• “What’s your typical response time for emails or calls?”
• “Will I speak to you directly or someone else in the firm?”
• “How often will I get updates on my case?”

You’re not being annoying — you’re protecting yourself.

What You Want to Hear:

• “We reply to emails within 24–48 hours.”
• “If I’m in court, my assistant will follow up and schedule a callback.”
• “You’ll get a weekly update, even if there’s no major change.”

This tells you they’ve got systems — and respect your time.

What Should Make You Pause:

• Vague answers like “It depends how busy we are.”
• No mention of communication in the contract
• You get passed around between 3 people before the consult even starts

Quick Test:

How they treat your first contact is how they’ll treat your case.

If they:

• Ghost your inquiry form
• Don’t respond to a voicemail for 3+ days
• Take a week to send the promised follow-up…

That’s not going to improve once you’ve paid magically.

7. Do They Have Courtroom or Mediation Experience (If You’ll Need It)?

Some lawyers give advice.

Others represent you when it matters most.

Depending on your case, you may need someone who can:

• Appear in Family Court for a custody dispute
• Handle a hearing for a declined visa or immigration appeal
• Guide you through employment mediation
• Litigate a contract breach in front of a judge

If your case can even escalate, this is a must-ask question.

Ask This in Your First Call:

“Have you handled this type of case in court or mediation?”

“What were the outcomes?”

“If this goes to a hearing, will you represent me — or refer me to someone else?”

Why This Matters:

Some lawyers are great behind a desk — writing letters, reviewing contracts, advising quietly.

But if they freeze in front of a judge? Or struggle to negotiate under pressure?

You’re the one who pays for it — in lost time, money, or outcomes.

What You’re Looking For:

• Specific experience in tribunals, hearings, or formal mediation
• Confidence talking about court processes, not just paperwork
• A clear “yes” when you ask, “Have you done this before?”

Signs They Might Not Be the Right Fit:

• “I usually refer court work to someone else.”
• “I’ve never had a case like this go that far.”
• Vague or evasive when you ask about outcomes

It’s not a deal-breaker, but you’ll need to decide whether you want one lawyer from start to finish or a hand-off halfway through.

This next one’s a deal-maker (or breaker) in legal trust — because you don’t need a hype man.

You need a lawyer who tells you the truth — even when it’s uncomfortable.

8. Are They Upfront About Your Chances — or Just Telling You What You Want to Hear?

If a lawyer promises you’ll win… walk away.

Good lawyers don’t make promises.

They make assessments.

The best ones will tell you:

• The likely outcomes
• The risks you’re facing
• What could go wrong
• And how to prepare for it

That’s not being negative — that’s being honest.

What to Watch for During the First Meeting

Ask:

“How strong is my case?”

“What’s the worst-case scenario here?”

“Have you ever seen something like this that did not go according to plan?”

If they hesitate or sugarcoat every answer? That’s a warning sign.

What Real Transparency Sounds Like:

• “You’ve got a case — but immigration will push back here.”
• “We can go to mediation, but there’s a chance you won’t recover costs.”
• “I’d take this to court only if we can’t settle. Otherwise, it’s overkill.”

It’s confident. Strategic. Not scripted.

Why This Matters:

If a lawyer tells you only what you want to hear:

• You’ll walk into hearings blind
• You’ll make big decisions without understanding the risks
• You’ll waste time, money, and emotional energy chasing an outcome that was never realistic

Red Flags:

• “Don’t worry — we’ll definitely win.”
• “This is a guaranteed approval.”
• “Trust me, I’ve got this” (with zero evidence or breakdown)

This isn’t about pessimism. It’s about being prepared — a lawyer who prepares you is the lawyer you want.

Legal expertise is essential, but if your lawyer doesn’t understand your culture, language, or lived experience, that expertise might never reach you in a way that helps.

Let’s talk about real connection — not just legal correctness.

9. Do They Have Cultural Competency or Speak Your Language?

You shouldn’t have to translate your worldview to get legal advice.

If your lawyer doesn’t “get” where you’re coming from — legally, culturally, emotionally — then you’re doing double the work.

This isn’t just about ethnicity or language. It’s about empathy, understanding your context, and respecting how you think, live, and make decisions.

When This Matters:

• Immigration and refugee law
• Family and custody cases
• Treaty rights and Māori legal matters
• Elder care, wills, or inheritance across cultures
• Business law involving immigrant entrepreneurs or international partners

What to Look (and Ask) For:

• “Have you worked with clients from [your community] before?”
• “Do you offer services in other languages?”
• “Do you work with interpreters or cultural liaisons when needed?”

If you’re Māori, Pasifika, Muslim, LGBTQ+, or a recent immigrant — this matters.

You deserve a lawyer who doesn’t just represent you on paper but understands the personal reality behind your case.

Signs They’re a Good Fit:

• They acknowledge cultural context without your prompting
• They don’t make assumptions about “what people usually do”
• They ask thoughtful questions about your values and preferences
• Their firm offers multilingual support or makes it easy to bring a translator

If They Say:

• “It doesn’t matter where you’re from — the law is the law.”
• “We treat everyone the same, so it’s not important.”
• That’s a blind spot.

Because equality doesn’t treat everyone the same.

It’s understanding where they’re starting from.

10. Do You Trust Them?

You can check all the boxes — registered, responsive, well-reviewed, reasonably priced…

But if your gut says,

“Something’s off…”

Listen to it.

Here’s What Trust Feels Like:

• You feel heard, not rushed
• You don’t feel dumb asking questions
• They talk to you — not at you
• You don’t have to chase them for updates
• They explain hard truths without fear-mongering

You’re not just hiring a legal technician.

You’re hiring someone to help you navigate risk, emotion, conflict, and consequences.

If that relationship doesn’t feel solid, it’s not right.

Pay Attention to These Early Signals:

• Did they listen during your consultation or dominate the conversation?
• Did they ask follow-up questions or pitch their services?
• Did they break things down clearly or make you feel overwhelmed?
• Did you walk away feeling confident — or unsettled?

Your Case Might Be About Law…

But your experience with it is 100% about people.

Trust isn’t something you manufacture after you’ve paid the invoice.

It’s built from the first call, the first reply, the first “Here’s how I can help.”

If you don’t feel it? Keep looking. There are lawyers out there who are brilliant and human.

Ready to Hire with Confidence? Use This Checklist First.

Now that you know what to look for — from legal expertise to human connection — it’s time to make your choice with clarity, not guesswork.

And the best way to do that?

Use a tool that keeps all 10 factors front and center.