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New Zealand Bar Association (NZBA) liability insurance

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As the official insurance partner of the NZBA since 2009, Marsh offers a customised liability protection plan designed specifically for NZBA members with barrister sole practicing certificates.

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Marsh NZBA Liability Protection Plan

With legal costs and claims by third parties for damages on the rise, it’s never been more important to have comprehensive insurance to protect you and your business.

As a trusted partner of NZBA since 2009 and the pre-approved broker for NZBA members, Marsh understands your business and the risks you encounter.

Our Liability Protection Plan offers a customised insurance package with tailored policy wording for members of the NZBA who currently hold a Barrister sole practising certificate.

We can customise your Liability Protection Plan and endeavour to have you covered within 48 hours.

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What's covered under the NZBA Liability Insurance?

The NZBA liability protection plan includes these specially negotiated coverages for members:

  • Professional indemnity

    Protects against claims of incorrect or misleading advice, breaches of duty or negligence. Choose from a variety of limit options.

  • Management liability

    Protects you and your team against unintended mismanagement or mistakes and included in the Marsh Barristers Liability Protection Plan at no additional cost.

  • Optional cyber cover

    Add cyber cover to your Liability Protection Plan at a lower rate. Protects against the increasing level of cyber risk in today’s digital world.

Your NZBA liability protection plan

Your NZBA member liability protection plan can be tailored to your specific requirements while maintaining the exclusive benefits negotiated through our official NZBA partnership. It includes professional indemnity and management liability; you can also choose to add cyber cover.

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Professional indemnity

Covers you against claims by a third party for negligence or breaches of duty. Choose from various options.

  • $2m limit per claim ($6m aggregate).

    The aggregate amount is the maximum that an insurance company will pay for all covered claims within a specific policy period.

  • $5m limit per claim ($15m aggregate).

    The aggregate amount is the maximum that an insurance company will pay for all covered claims within a specific policy period.

  • $10m limit per claim ($30m aggregate).

    The aggregate amount is the maximum that an insurance company will pay for all covered claims within a specific policy period.

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Management liability

Protects you and your team against unintended mismanagement or mistakes.

  • Directors and officers of your business.

  • Corporate liability, statutory liability, employers’ liability, general liability.

  • Employment practices (if applicable).

  • Crime protection.

  • Costs and expenses.

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Optional cyber cover

Protects you against the costs of accidental disclosure of information and loss of confidential data caused by cyber-attacks.

  • $250,000 per claim and in the aggregate.

  • $500,000 per claim and in the aggregate.

  • $1,000,000 per claim and in the aggregate.

  • Optional extension for Social Engineering fraud.

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Benefits of the Liability Protection Plan

The Marsh NZBA Liability Protection Plan offers NZBA members exclusive access to a bespoke insurance package that offers coverage at reasonable rates.

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Quasi-judicial costs

Covers you for costs, expenses and compensation related to an investigation by a quasi-judicial body.

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Run-off cover at no extra charge

A free extension for run-off cover after you cease practicing. Protects you against future claims related to alleged acts, errors or omissions occurring before you ceased business (eligibility criteria apply).

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Defense costs

Includes defence costs for civil liability claims and non-monetary relief claims. Also covers defence costs if you need to appoint external legal counsel.

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Additional insurance

Additional benefits including chambers cover, motor vehicle (commercial and private) and financial services such as income protection and business expenses.

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Illustrative case study


This case study illustrates how the NZBA liability protection plan can help protect NZBA members:

James filed a claim against his barrister, and their solicitors regarding the legal advice received in a property dispute with his ex-wife.

James and his ex-wife had a contracting-out agreement, but when James started a new business venture, the Family Court ruled that the shares in this new venture were relationship property. After several appeals, James was ordered to pay his ex-wife $800,000.

James sought to recover this amount, along with legal costs, from his barrister. He claimed that his barrister failed to properly advise him about the risks of litigation and the importance of seeking a settlement. Although his barrister believed they had advised James to pursue an early resolution, they did not document much of their discussions.

Additionally, the barrister did not inform James that he might not be able to claim against the solicitors due to time limits, nor did they disclose a potential conflict of interest involving the solicitor who drafted the disputed document. The barrister also failed to mention that a settlement offer of $600,000 might be possible, which was significantly lower than the $1.1 million offered during negotiations and the $800,000 he was ordered to pay.

The claim that James filed against his solicitor went to mediation, where it was settled for $250,000. The barrister was found personally liable, however their Liability Protection Plan (insurance) covered the settlement, defense costs, the mediator’s fee, and an expert opinion.

This case study is fictional and does not represent any real-life individuals, events or organisations.

Cover for NZBA members who are not Barristers sole

The Marsh Liability Protection Plan is for members of the NZBA who currently hold a Barrister sole practising certificate. You can find information on the NZBA on their website.

Marsh can also help with insurance solutions for Solicitors, and for non-NZBA barristers. If that’s you, our broker service team will be very happy to help. Give us a call.

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Why Marsh?

As the NZBA’s trusted insurance partner since 2009, we understand the specific needs of NZBA members.

Claims support

Handling an insurance claim can quickly become overwhelming, not least when your time is stretched to the limit, keeping your business going in the backdrop. We help take the load off and manage, negotiate and settle claims with insurers on your behalf.

60 year history

Marsh has a 60+ year history of supporting New Zealand’s business community. Our award-winning brokers understand the global and Kiwi professional industry and its risks, cutting through the jargon to speak your language.

Close collaboration

We’re experts in the insurance industry. But you’re the expert in your business. We’ll collaborate with you to develop solutions and services that meet your specific risk profile through a personal, experienced and dedicated service approach.

We’re onboard with your industry

Marsh has been supporting the NZBA scheme since 2009. We understand your business, the types of claims you potentially face, and our knowledge allows us to craft cover that can protect you.

Risk advising

We aren’t just dedicated insurance brokers. We’re also exceptional risk advisors – and we work with like-minded insurers to deliver tips, insights and guidance bespoke to your business.

Award-winning expertise

Marsh is a recognised industry leader, winning Large Broking Company of the Year at the New Zealand Insurance Industry Awards for two consecutive years.

Frequently asked questions

It’s certainly a good idea, yes, as you are in the business of offering advice which your clients act upon. A professional indemnity policy may cover you against claims of negligence, misrepresentation (wrong advice), breaches of confidentiality, and more.

Sadly no. While the NZBA encourages both Barrister sole and Barrister and Solicitor practising certificate holders to join membership to the NZBA, the Marsh Liability Protection scheme is only open to those who have a Barrister sole practising certificate and are also an NZBA member.

However, Marsh is here to assist you in finding insurance solutions for Barristers and Solicitors, as well as for non-NZBA barristers. Give us a call to discuss your options!

Management liability covers the management of a business. Professional indemnity, on the other hand, covers the services and advice offered by a business and its employees.

To become a member of the NZBA (and join many of your colleagues) join through the NZBA website.

Yes, you can protect yourself from cyber-attack, it’s an optional extra to the liability package.

Typically, we can get your insurance sorted in two working days, sometimes faster.

Yes, as your risk profile is lower as a criminal barrister, you are entitled to lower premium options under the scheme.

The Marsh NZBA liability protection plan offers a customised insurance package with tailored policy wording for members of the NZBA who currently hold a barrister sole practising certificate.

If you are not an NZBA member or do not have full NZBA membership, visit our Barristers page to understand how we can help you.

Forms and documents

Related insurance solutions

Barrister insurance

For niche legal professionals like Barristers with specialised practice needs, we also offer barrister insurance which is for both NZBA members and non-member.

Learn more

Lawyer insurance

Tailored lawyer insurance: Coverage for professional indemnity, management liability, and cyber risks – Protect your practice today!

 

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Marsh Limited (NZBN 9429040918792)(“Marsh”) arranges the insurance and is not the insurer. This page contains general information and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. For full details of the terms, conditions and limitations of the covers, refer to the specific policy wordings and/or Product Disclosure Statements available from Marsh on request. This publication is not intended to be taken as advice regarding any individual situation and should not be relied upon as such. The information contained herein is based on sources we believe reliable, but we make no representation or warranty as to its accuracy. Marsh shall have no obligation to update this publication and shall have no liability to you or any other party arising out of this publication or any matter contained herein. Marsh makes no representation or warranty concerning the application of policy wordings or the financial condition or solvency of insurers or re-insurers. Marsh makes no assurances regarding the availability, cost, or terms of insurance coverage.

LCPA 25/NZ152