11th August 2004

HOW CAN PUBLIC SECTOR LAWYERS AND COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALISTS BEST WORK IN TOGETHER?

Increasingly, public sector lawyers work alongside comms people in dealing with various issues. We have asked 3 specialist communications people (Suzanne Pollard and Belinda Milnes (both are public sector communications specialists), and Colin Feslier, who heads up comms at DIA) to talk about their experiences on how best to deal with legal issues from their perspective. They’ll deal with lessons from their experiences. All 3 have worked for many years in various roles relating to media and the public sector, including public sector agencies, Minister’s offices, public relations, the press and other media. They’ve “seen it all”.

Roger Palairet of Palairet Law will talk about dealing with communications issues from a legal perspective. He’ll share some war stories.

LIFE WITHIN A LARGE PUBLIC SECTOR LEGAL TEAM

Jane Meares (Manager – Legal Services, DIA) will discuss aspects of her role within a large public sector legal team. Work at DIA covers numerous and often unrelated functions. Jane will talk about the management and legal issues that DIA faces.

CONTRACT INDEMNITIES

Contract indemnities are often a source of frustration and extended negotiation. But is it all really worth it? What’s their effect compared to other contract clauses (such as breach of contract provisions)? And how do they fit within public sector legislation such as the Public Finance Act?

Michael Wigley of Wigley & Company will tackle these issues. Please click here to read Michael's paper: Contractual Indemnities - Public & Private Sector implications

Date: Wednesday, 11 August 2004

Time: 12:00pm - 2:00pm

Location: Level 7, 11-17 Bolton Street, Wellington