* I am not a legal aid barrister in any practice area - you can find legal aid barristers at the link below: 
https://www2.justice.govt.nz/find-a-legal-aid-lawyer/​

​* I recommend Community Law Centres as being a good first point of call also: https://communitylaw.org.nz/​

​* No legal advice is provided until engagement is complete. 

*In some instances, I will consider 'pro bono' or 'low bono' legal fees at my sole and exclusive discretion. See more here. 

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HOW ENGAGEMENT HAPPENS

Simplified engagement process for 2023

1. You enquire directly with me, or, you direct your solicitor to enquire with me about your particular legal dispute or issue. 

2. I have a free telephone consultation with you (approx 15-30 minutes). It is helpful for you to send me any key documents beforehand so that I may have a brief perusal. 

3. If I think I can assist you, I will tell you this, and provide you with my ordinary hourly rate for that particular kind of matter, and what kind of initial retainer may be required. 

*If I don't think I can assist you, I will provide a recommendation to you as to which barrister I think may be able to help you. If I think your matter is better handled by a law firm of solicitors, I will recommend a firm to you.*

5. If you are agreeable to my particular hourly rate, I will then send you a Proposal for Engagement which will set out my terms, conditions, and fees for your matter.  These are the only terms and conditions upon which I can be engaged. 

6. Once you have taken some time to review my Proposal for Engagement, and agree with the terms, conditions, and fees, then you can sign the last page and return to me via email. 

7. If I have told you your matter requires a solicitor at the outset, then you may be asked to pay an initial retainer to the solicitor's trust account. The solicitor can be one of your choosing, or I can nominate a solicitor myself. 

8. Once any retainer is paid and the Proposal for Engagement is signed, we can get to work.