Justice Minister Simon Power and Attorney-General Chris Finlayson are working on a Law Society call for the Government to consider getting big law firms to do more pro bono work."Both are of the view that there is potential in the idea," a spoke
Justice Minister Simon Power and Attorney-General Chris Finlayson are working on a Law Society call for the Government to consider getting big law firms to do more pro bono work.
"Both are of the view that there is potential in the idea," a spokesman for Mr Power told NZPA today.
The spokesman said Mr Power held discussions with his officials this morning and there would be further talks involving ministries.
Law Society president John Marshall has said it would mean law firms which benefited from government contracts would be required to offer free legal services to approved groups or causes, such as charities or at Community Law Centres.
Mr Finlayson says he is personally attracted to the idea, the New Zealand Herald reported.
He said many government contracts were channelled through the Crown Law Office, which he oversees, so he was "actively looking" at what changes would be needed to start such a practice.
Mr Marshall has suggested the Government look at the Australian model of linking pro bono work to government contracts.
In the state of Victoria, firms must undertake pro bono work for an approved cause up to a value of about 5 percent to 15 percent of the fee they earn under government contracts.
Mr Marshall said major law firms should take a stronger leadership role in building up pro bono services.
Firms in other countries had more structure pro bono systems than New Zealand, including in Australia where most had specific pro bono policies and budgets.
