It should not be a surprise that Franks Ogilvie has turned its mind to reform of the law governing the regulation of professions.
We have defended firm clients from attempts to enforce ideological brainwashing under the guise of ‘continuing education’. We have acted for professionals under disciplinary investigation for expressing views unfashionable in Wellington. And recently our principal, Stephen Franks, had to rely on a wise Legal Complaints Review Officer, to vacate a finding of unsatisfactory conduct for writing a letter expressing a client’s concerns about the continuing use of puberty blockers in New Zealand.
When a legal gap or issue is identified, Stephen always asks what the solution should be.
He has now turned his mind to the reforms needed to refocus professional regulatory bodies on their proper role: protecting consumers from incompetence or dishonesty.
Professions need an internal diversity of perspectives for healthy debate and professional growth. For lawyers this is vital for the rule of law itself; if lawyers are condemned for representing clients with unpopular views, access to justice is placed at risk.
Stephen's draft Bill is available here.
We welcome feedback. Please email Senior Solicitor Aly Miller.
