OBS_VALUE: Foreign firms are not permitted to enter into commercial association with local lawyers or law firms. This is because multi disciplinary practices are not permitted and lawyers from other jurisdictions are not classified as “lawyers” within New Zealand.New Zealand barristers and solicitors are not permitted to practise in partnership with members of other professions or with lawyers holding only foreign qualifications. There are however, a number of New Zealand law firms that are independent entities and are also associated with law firms in other countries.