Court-Appointed Counsel Remuneration Review Highlights Significant Concerns

The Ministry of Justice conducted a targeted survey of lawyers acting in court-appointed counsel roles to better understand the workload, challenges and sustainability of these appointments across New Zealand.

The survey was open from 9 October to 28 November 2025 and received 269 responses from practitioners serving as Lawyers for Child, Lawyers for Subject Person, Lawyers to Assist, Lawyers for Care Recipients, and Youth Advocates.

The findings reveal widespread concern about remuneration levels. Across all appointment categories, between 71% and 95% of respondents considered current rates to be below or significantly below those paid for comparable legal work.

The highest levels of concern were reported by Lawyers for Subject Person (95%), Youth Advocates (94%), Lawyers for Child (91%) and Lawyers to Assist (91%). Lawyers for Care Recipients also reported significant concern, with 71% considering rates to be significantly below average.

Respondents consistently identified remuneration and workload as the primary factors influencing decisions about whether to continue accepting appointments.

Many reported reducing the number of appointments they undertake due to workload pressures, increasing case complexity, stress, and the view that current rates do not adequately reflect the demands and responsibilities of the work.

While the survey demonstrates a strong ongoing commitment to these important roles, it also highlights concerns about the long-term sustainability of the current remuneration framework.

The findings provide a substantial evidence base for future consideration of remuneration rates for court-appointed counsel and Youth Advocates

Read the full report here.