Current as of April 2026
Our People
Responsible Lawyers: Rick Phillips (Director/Principal) and Chris Hallowes (Consultant/Senior Associate Solicitor).
Fees
Our fees are charged on a time basis at the following hourly rates (plus GST):
- Director / Principal: $800.00 per hour
- Consultant / Senior Associate / Associate: $600.00 per hour
- Solicitor: $400.00 per hour
We will advise you of the fee rate applicable to your matter. We may also charge a retainer, payable into our trust account before work commences.
Sundry Fees
A sundry fee of $50.00 plus GST, or 3% of fees charged (whichever is greater), will be charged per invoice for general office administration including telephone calls, photocopying, and similar incidentals.
Artificial Intelligence Technology
We may utilise large language models and other artificial intelligence tools to assist in providing legal services, including research, document review, and drafting. These tools help us work more efficiently while maintaining our professional standards and quality of service. All AI-assisted work remains subject to lawyer review and supervision. Where we use paid AI subscriptions for your matter, any information provided to the AI is not used for training purposes. If you prefer that we not use AI technology in connection with your matter, please notify us in writing at info@albanylegal.co.nz and we will accommodate your request.
Disbursements
Disbursements (including court filing fees, registration fees, search fees, travel, and courier charges) are charged separately and in addition to our fees. Disbursements are charged at cost and are GST inclusive where applicable.
Invoicing and Payment
We invoice monthly or on completion of a matter. Payment is due within 14 days of the invoice date. If payment is not received within that period, we reserve the right to charge interest at a rate of up to 12% per annum on the outstanding balance.
AML/CFT Compliance
We are required by the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 to verify the identity of all clients before providing legal services. Verification fees (plus GST) are:
- Individuals: $115.00
- Companies: $172.50
- Trusts / Estates: $230.00
We may also be required to conduct ongoing due diligence on client transactions.
Insurance and Fidelity Fund
Albany Legal Limited holds professional indemnity insurance as required by the New Zealand Law Society. Our clients are also protected by the Lawyers’ Fidelity Fund administered by the New Zealand Law Society.
Complaints
If you have a concern about our services or fees, please raise it with us in the first instance. If your concern is not resolved to your satisfaction, you may contact the New Zealand Law Society’s complaints service.
Conflicts of Interest
We will advise you if we become aware of any conflict of interest in acting for you. Where a conflict exists or arises, we may be required to cease acting for one or more parties.
Electronic Communications
We communicate with clients by email and other electronic means. Please be aware that electronic communications carry inherent risks. We accept no liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of electronic communications, including interception, loss, or delay.
Termination
Either party may terminate this engagement by written notice. On termination, you must pay all fees and disbursements incurred to the date of termination.
Governing Law
These terms are governed by the laws of New Zealand.
Limitation of Liability
Any claim against Albany Legal Limited must be filed within two years of the act or omission giving rise to the claim. Our liability is limited to the greater of NZ$5,000,000 or three times the fees charged for the relevant matter, provided that our maximum liability shall not exceed NZ$2,000,000. The provisions of the Fair Trading Act 1986 and the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 are excluded to the extent permitted by law where services are provided for business purposes.
