AI prompts are transforming legal document drafting. By Lawyers is pleased to introduce AI prompts to our publications, helping our subscribers harness the power of LEAP’s Matter AI.

The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill 2024 is currently before parliament. There is no definite commencement date yet. The commentary and related precedents in all By Lawyers guides will be updated in line with these amendments when they commence.

Following a user's request, we have added the client’s IRD number to our Client details and are verifying identity precedent. This helpful document can be found in Folder A. Getting the matter underway on every By Lawyers matter plan.

An Artificial Intelligence Use policy has been added to the By Lawyers 101 Staff Handbook. The policy provides for the responsible use of artificial intelligence within a firm to enhance efficiency and productivity while safeguarding confidentiality, legal integrity, and professional standards. The AI use policy requires adherence to strict quality assurance measures. The 101 Staff Handbook is found in the Practice Management guide. It provides policies for all aspects of managing a legal practice that firms can either adopt or amend as required.

Land Information New Zealand (LINZ)'s standard for lawyers and conveyancers identifying their clients and receiving authority to deal with land has been updated. The By Lawyers First steps commentary under Getting the matter underway in all publications has been updated to reflect the new standard.

Folder A in every By Lawyers matter plan is called Getting the Matter Underway. It does what it says on the tin! All the precedents required to commence a matter in a particular area of law, along with practical commentary about managing client engagement, AML requirements, and taking instructions.

A new guide to Electronic Signing and Witnessing has been added to the Reference Materials folder on all By Lawyers matter plans.

A standard Employment Agreement has been published for firms to use when they are employing lawyers and support staff.