President’s Report

Over the past year, I have spent considerable time thinking about how ADLS is meeting the needs of its members and the wider New Zealand legal sector.

I feel it is important we heed the lessons from the pandemic and lockdowns. Let’s take the good side of the past year and apply it to being more effective and efficient in what we do. We need to focus on moving forward and progressing with these learnings.

What has become apparent, is the need to let go of some of the cumbersome processes we engage in, and serve and utilise our courts, business, and clients more effectively.

We now have different ways of communicating – whether that be via video conferencing or executing documents online. We need to continue to redefine administrative processes, but at the same time, not lose touch with the human side of what we do.

Working in our various legal roles, and dealing with clients, we must ensure they feel they are getting productivity and quality time. We have a need for face-to-face time, whether that be in person or via video, and spend time with our clients so they feel they are getting something meaningful and worthwhile from us. We need relationships with clients that are built on trust.

ADLS continues to innovate and evolve. Financially, we are in the strongest position we have been in for many years.

This year we finalised the sale of Chancery Chambers; the proceeds have been professionally invested with Forsyth Barr in a conservative fund to increase their value whilst a new premise is sought and major contingent liabilities of owning Chancery Chambers have been eliminated.

ADLS is bringing about change

As an organisation, we have moved on from being a landlord to increasing our focus on the provision of leading services to the New Zealand legal sector.

Our national footprint allows us to engage with members regardless of where you live; we understand you have different needs. This has been echoed by our Members in my post-lockdown travels around New Zealand to industry events. Our membership is growing, and we are committed to delivering to the individual needs of all members.

Over the past 12 months, I along with the Council have been focusing on our strategic direction and purpose. As a result, we are setting in place a renewed direction for ADLS that will reward our Members, attract new members, and set the organisation on the path for further growth.

I am proud of ADLS, the services we offer and how we continue to evolve. We are industry leaders in CPD training, and collegiality events.

Our Committees continued their outstanding work with submissions, input into Government, developing working relationships with external parties, and providing good advice. ADLS Committees came together to lodge a detailed submission to the Independent Panel Review on Regulating Lawyers and Legal Services, of which the outcome is pending. Strong submissions were also made on a range of other legal topics.

Meanwhile, our ADLS publication LawNews continues to reach more people both in and outside the profession. Our leading-edge opinion pieces and content is well read and recognised. It is putting us on the must-read list, which is gratifying.

My personal goal has been to build on and maintain the recognition ADLS gets from the judiciary and Ministry of Justice connections, the government and government bodies. I have been actively involved in the Heads of Bench working group, that was established during the pandemic, to further provide a strong voice for the legal profession. We have a clear objective to enhance and improve the effective running of the courts and access to justice.

Farewell

As I complete my third and final term, this is my last report as the ADLS President. I am confident I am leaving the organisation in a strong position to move forward. It is a valuable time for ADLS; our focus is on providing outstanding services to members. I am confident ADLS can achieve above and beyond its current mandate.

ADLS will continue to carry on great initiatives that will be carried forward by the Council. Under the next presidency there will be some innovative and exciting initiatives. We will be stretching national membership to providing more services New Zealand-wide. Our focus is on servicing our membership and increasing to understand the needs of the profession.

Thank you to everyone who helps makes the ADLS what it is today. To my fellow Council Members, my thanks for your tireless contribution. To the ADLS team, strongly led by Sue Keppel, during what have been challenging times, thank you for continuing to push the boundaries and delivering excellence, time and time again. And thank you to the Committees, presenters and educators who give their precious time freely and help shape our industry. And finally, our Members - ADLS would not be where it is today without you – thank you for your unwavering support and commitment.

It is an exciting time for the ADLS, the Council and the new president. I feel I am leaving the position in an excellent state for someone to take over the helm.

It has been a privilege and pleasure to be of service.

Sincerely,

Sue Keppel CEO