Employment lawyer fees in New Zealand

Watch the deadline

A personal grievance generally must be raised with your employer within 90 days of the issue arising or of you becoming aware of it. For sexual harassment, the period is 12 months for conduct from 13 June 2023.

Free mediation

MBIE's Employment Mediation Services are free, and you don't need a lawyer to attend.

How fees usually work

Reviewing an employment agreement or settlement is often a fixed fee. Personal grievances and disputes are usually charged by the hour. Ask for an estimate of total costs at each stage.

Your right to know the costs up front

New Zealand lawyers must give you written information before they start work, including the basis on which their fees will be charged and when payment is due. Fees must be fair and reasonable. If you're unhappy with a bill, raise it with the lawyer first; you can then contact the Law Society's Lawyers Complaints Service.

Questions to ask first

• Is this a fixed fee or hourly? If hourly, what is the rate and roughly how many hours do you expect?
• What is included, and what would cost extra?
• Which costs are disbursements or official fees, and roughly how much are they?
• How often will I be billed, and can I get an update on costs as we go?

Free and low-cost help in New Zealand

• Community Law Centres give free legal help throughout New Zealand.
• You may be eligible for legal aid through the Ministry of Justice.

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