We take inspiration from the courage and cleverness of the famous legal heroine, Portia, whom Shakespeare loosely based on the historical figure of Porcia, the daughter of Roman senator Cato the Younger. Our approach is one of aroha (kindness), manaakitanga (respect for others) and ihumanea (cleverness). While we respect the profession and its traditions, we aim to put humans before profit and access to justice at the forefront of our efforts. We try to retain the ideology that causes people to want to become lawyers in the first place.
Writing in Law & Liberty, Mark Movsesian says “Ask attorneys to identify Shakespeare’s greatest play about law and lawyers, and they will likely name The Merchant of Venice… No play captures lawyers’ imaginations like Merchant, with its climactic court hearing, its famous argument by Portia, and its meditation on justice and mercy in a legal system.”
Portia was just a gal who loved a guy but because of the male-dominated thinking of the day couldn’t marry him because he was poor. Enter the Merchant of Venice, who helps the dude out and wedding plans are laid. But alas! Disaster strikes the Merchant and he is left owing a pile of money. If he doesn’t pay, the money lender may claim ‘an equal pound of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken in what part of your body pleaseth me‘. Gross.
It goes to Court and Portia wants to defend the Merchant but is not allowed because she’s a woman. But Shakespeare, the great reformer, finds a way for his heroine character to sneak into Court disguised a male lawyer. Just to be clear – this could never happen today as imitating a lawyer is an offence under the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006 – but of course this story occurs hundreds of years ago on the other side of the world.
Portia tries to plea the mercy of the Court but is denied, so she makes the argument that the money-lender may legally enforce his contract to collect a pound of flesh, except that, if it were to be enforced, the contract would not allow him to shed a drop of blood (flesh is different from blood, see? Clever!). Anyway the unfortunate money-lender does not get justice served and due to a technicality love wins on the day.
In the words of lawyer Dennis Denuto from The Castle: “It’s the vibe of it. It’s the Constitution. It’s Mabo. It’s justice. It’s law. It’s the vibe and ah, no that’s it. It’s the vibe. I rest my case.”
Portia invests additional time in professional development for our lawyers to be aware of issues beyond the expectations of your average law firm. Monthly training focuses on understanding perspectives from child psychologists, social workers, court registrars and other important people who deal with the Family Justice System.
Portia lawyers receive training in cultural awareness and this extends to our Legal Response Team, non-legal staff who support clients while they receive legal services. Our team takes a feminist approach to law, adopting a holistic view that sees our role as just a small part in the bigger journey of justice and wellbeing. We ensure our team receive regular access to professional supervision (counselling) and we never expect staff to work beyond the hours they’re paid. In fact it is Portia’s mission to be “the most ethical law firm in Aotearoa New Zealand”.
Portia was the pioneer of video law in this country, creating the patented VLaw® video system that is still used today by Women’s Refuges and clients across New Zealand and internationally. Our partnership with FairWay Resolution sees hundreds of people a year access a lawyer prior to undertaking out-of-court mediation for family law matters, using this system. This is but one example of how Portia has improved access to justice for people in New Zealand.
Many first-time clients comment on the ‘down-to-Earth’ feeling when they first come into contact with our staff. That’s becuase we want you to feel you’re in a safe space, not being judged or looked down-upon, and that you’re dealing with people who are just as human as you are.
We will always put our clients at the forefront of our efforts. We are highly ethical. We are committed to allowing all people to access justice equally.
Here are five things that sets Portia apart from many other law firms:
1. Stay at home to meet with your lawyer
Portia pioneered video law in New Zealand. You can sit at home or in the office and meet with your lawyer online or over the phone. We even act for people living overseas. Much easier!
2. Guaranteed fixed-fees for almost any matter
The issue of money leads to anxiety, in particular how much “all this” is going to cost. We make things easier for you by giving you not just a quote, but a guaranteed fee so you can budget for what’s to come.
3. Our approach to law is kinder
Portia cuts through that theatre of law firms and presents an honest experience that our clients value. Many people are afraid of being looked down-upon or judged. At Portia we try to be humans first and lawyers second. Our staff are experienced and are much more understanding of your situation.
4. We set the highest standards
From the very first day they begin at Portia every staff member is monitored using our competency framework. Portia trains lawyers to a very high standard and for the first year of their employment our lawyers are mentored by senior staff and their progress is carefully monitored.
5. We go to court a LOT!
We accept more than our share of legal aid clients legal aid cases and these tend to proceed to court a lot more. Because our lawyers go to court so much, they are highly-skilled litigators. Having a Portia lawyer is a huge benefit when appearing in the Family Court.
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