New Zealand Law Society

The New Zealand Law Society is the parent body for barristers and solicitors in New Zealand. It was established in 1869, and regulates all lawyers practising in New Zealand. Membership of the Society is voluntary, although any person wishing to practice law in New Zealand must obtain a practising certificate from the Society. The Society has 13 branch offices throughout the country. Each branch has a president and a council, which represent their members’ interests on a regional and national level.

Since 1897, the office of president was elected. The first holder of the office, from 1870 to 1875, was James Prendergast upon appointment by the government.

...
Wikipedia