The Documents and Precedents Committee originated more than a decade ago in response to the profession’s need for reliable and universally accepted forms.

Previously known as the Forms Committee, it has been responsible for producing such key forms as the Agreement for Sale and Purchase of Real Estate and the Commercial Deed of Lease.

More recently it was agreed that the title “Documents and Precedents Committee” more accurately describes the principal functions of the Committee which are:

a) to ensure that documents currently published by the Society are constantly revised to take account of legislative changes and the impact of case law
b) to expand the range of documents and precedents currently offered by the Society

To achieve these objectives, the primary role of the Committee is to identify current documents requiring revision and new documents which may benefit the profession.

The Committee identifies practitioners with the appropriate level of experience to prepare initial drafts of documents and precedents required in some instances the initial draft is also passed by an official peer reviewer. The Committee plays a supervisory role rather than becoming embroiled in drafting itself.

The Society is vigilant in protecting the integrity of its forms and the Committee from time to time addresses breaches of copyright.

The Committee is always keen to hear from practitioners with proposals for other forms required in the market. Practitioners may contact the Secretary, Documents and Precedents Committee, Auckland District Law Society, P O Box 58, Auckland (DX CP24001) with comments and suggestions.

Click here to view the Documents and Precedents committee members.

Click here to view the Documents and Precedents 2007/08 Annual Report.