Developing a centralised pro bono system has been called for by DLA Piper Managing Partner Laura Campion.
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Scampion has called for the implementation of a centralised pro bono system in the country, similar to Australia’s model.
She believes that a structured approach to pro bono efforts is necessary to address issues with access to justice and the increasing volume of Kiwis requiring legal representation.
She outlined several initiatives that could be put in place, such as establishing a New Zealand pro bono centre and setting national pro bono targets for firms and practitioners.
Scampion also highlighted the benefits of having a pro bono infrastructure, citing the 2022 Trust Law Index of Pro Bono.
Despite government-funded legal aid for low-income clients, the number of lawyers registered to provide legal aid has declined due to low remuneration rates and administrative burden.
With inflation and a possible recession looming she believes the need for such a system is necessary to bridge the justice gap that appears to be widening in New Zealand.
