Guidelines, Protocols & Articles

Solicitor-General's Guidance: Chief Executives and the 'No Surprises' Principle

Under the 'no surprises' principle, Chief Executives keep Ministers informed of significant or controversial matters, especially those that may arise in public, in the Minister’s portfolio areas of responsibility.  It operates in the context of the constitutional framework governing the relationship between Ministers and departmental Chief Executives.  This guidance document sets out that framework and provides some particular examples of the principle in practice.

Published: 12 October 2023

Solicitor-General's 'No Surprises' Guidance PDF (167kb) 

Prosecutor Classification of In-House Lawyers

The following classification framework applies to in-house lawyers who lead public prosecutions in the District Court and are employed by public service departments and Crown entities. Published: 9 Dec, 2019

Download Prosecutor Classification of In-House Lawyers Documents

Information Gathering and Security Consultants

These documents provide information on Crown Law’s internal policy and procedures for information gathering, including approval of instructions to external security contractors. Crown Law’s Transparency Statement provides information for members of the public on Crown Law’s information gathering activities and how to contact Crown Law with any questions or concerns.

Information Gathering Transparency Statement (589KB)

Information Gathering Policy (215KB)

All King's Counsel appointments since 1907 & those with current Practising Certificates

All King's Counsel appointments since 1907 and those with current practising certificates as at November 2022. Published: May 2023

Download Excel Version (32kb)

Guidelines for King's Counsel Candidates 2024

Guidelines for Candidates - Download PDF version (196kb)

Application form for appointment as King's Counsel

Cabinet Directions for the Conduct of Crown Legal Business 2016

These are the Cabinet Directions for the conduct of Crown Legal Business 2016. Published: 12 May, 2016

Link to Directions (29kb)

Crown Solicitors - Terms of Office

These provisions set out the terms of office for all Crown Solicitors from 1 July 2021. Published: 1 July 2021

Download PDF Version (260Kb)

Judicial Appointments Protocol

This booklet sets out the process for making appointments of Judges of the higher courts. Published: October 27, 2023

Download PDF Version (646Kb)

Attorney-General's Civil Litigation Values

This document sets out the Attorney-General's values for the conduct of civil litigation by the Crown, dated 31 July 2013. Published: Aug 30, 2013

Download PDF Version (62Kb)

Revoking the Crown Solicitors Regulations 1994 - Regulatory Impact Statement

An analysis of the options for the legal form of the terms of office for the Crown Solicitors. Published: May 20, 2013

Download PDF Version (436Kb)

Crown Solicitors Amendment Regulations 2012 – Regulatory Impact Statement

An analysis of the options to manage expenditure on Crown prosecutions in the short term (2012/13). Published: Jun 13, 2012

Download PDF Version (50Kb)

Protocols between the Solicitor-General and Commissioner of Inland Revenue

On 29 July 2009 Inland Revenue and Crown Law Office set out protocols outlining how the two organisations will work together. Published: Jul 29, 2009

Download PDF Version (480Kb)

Proposed IR/CLO relationship structure

Proposed relationship structure between Inland Revenue and Crown Law Office. Published: Jul 29, 2009

Download PDF Version (171Kb)

Principles for sharing Law Officer power: the role of the New Zealand Solicitor-General

By John McGrath QC

(1998) 18 NZULR 197
Published: Jan 1, 1998

Download PDF Version (142Kb)