LAPA is a co-operative of active and committed law firms across the country, representative of each region. The aim of LAPA is to “improve access to justice by delivering legal aid that is both profitable and of a high quality, through efficient systems and supportive professional relationships”.
Membership of the co-operative is by invitation only. There is a criteria for membership based upon the number of legal aid cases a law firm undertakes and the number of firms in a particular town or region. Currently the approach is focused on family legal aid, however there are plans to expand this charter in the future.
Law firms who are members have access to three types of services through the LAPA website.
PUBLIC: the firm is listed on the Find a Lawyer page and will receive referrals through the nationwide 0800 number.
LAWYERS: you and your staff will have access to a level of collaboration never before seen in New Zealand. This includes tools to help find agents, a page to share ideas and the ability to attend workshops, conferences and other events.
LAW FIRMS: the membership is made up of law firms and there are two web pages specifically for partners or directors. A resources page provides a number of template documents, education materials and precedents. Members also have access to the Secretariat where they can view minutes and other official documents.
