New president For Law Society

New president

Wellington barrister John Marshall takes over as President of the New Zealand Law Society today (30 March). He succeeds Chris Darlow who has held office for three-and-a-half years.

John Marshall, son of former Prime Minister Sir John Marshall, was admitted in 1969 after graduating LLB from Victoria University. He then worked for Wellington firm Perry Wylie Pope & Page before heading overseas. On his return, he worked with the firm then known as Watts & Patterson before joining Buddle Anderson Kent, the forerunner of Buddle Findlay. He was made a partner there after two years and remained with Buddle Findlay until 1997 when he became a barrister sole.

His practice fields have changed considerably over the years. He began with criminal, children’s court, family court and general conveyancing and moved into general, civil and commercial litigation; public law; Treaty of Waitangi claims; fisheries law; wills and trusts; and more. Most recently, he has tended to be more involved in arbitration and mediation work.

John Marshall will continue his practice while he is president but says his first priority will be the New Zealand Law Society.

He takes over leadership of New Zealand’s 10,000-plus legal profession at a crucial time, with the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act, which will bring major changes to the way the profession is regulated, expected to come into force on 1 July next year. Seeing a smooth implementation of the new regulatory system and ensuring the society provides attractive membership services through its voluntary arm will be his immediate priorities.

John Marshall has previously served on a number of Wellington District Law Society committees and was president of that society 2003-2004. He has also served on the NZLS Council and the NZLS Board, most recently as treasurer.
ENDS

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