Complaints and the NZ Law Society with President Tiana Epati

In this episode of NZ Free Law, host Julia Stenson interviews Tiana Epati, the President of the New Zealand Law Society (NZLS), focusing on the NZLS's role, particularly its dispute resolution process. Tiana explains the three-tiered function of the Law Society: protecting the public, supporting the legal profession, and upholding the rule of law. The discussion covers the Lawyers Complaints Service, including the Early Resolution Service and the Standards Committee, and differentiates between unsatisfactory conduct and misconduct, which is handled by the Disciplinary Tribunal. Tiana also discusses her functions as President, including chairing meetings, acting as a spokesperson, and overseeing law reform work. She highlights her priorities: addressing the health and well-being of the legal profession by focusing on stress, diversity, and workplace behavior, and improving access to justice by collaborating with courts, the government, and various organizations within the profession.