FirstDraft

FirstDraft will link lawyers willing to work for free with developing world countries requiring assistance with drafting legislation.

There are a number of key ideas behind this concept. The first is that New Zealand lawyers are highly thought of, and in demand, internationally. They are regarded as smart, innovative and hard-working. I have direct personal experience of this working internationally for eight years. Second, we continue to lead the world in law reform. This is something to be really proud of. Third, in countries whose legal systems are still developing institutions like the rule of law, they can really use a helping hand. When countries attempt to embrace ideas like openness and democracy, they need all the help they can get!

Of course, a certain amount of assistance is already available. This tends to be coordinated centrally through organisations like the United Nations. I think in some respects they do a fantastic job. However, I think the preferred way of solving problems (even if it is devising laws) is at an individual and community level. A linked idea is people in what we call the private sector sharing responsibility for solving problems.

With this particular value in mind, the intended model is creating a bureau service that scopes and identifies specific legislative needs in developing world countries, and links those needs to New Zealand lawyers who have signed up as being competent and willing to help.

The intended structure is a charitable trust.

Legislation is required for a charity whose objects are exclusively outside New Zealand. Having the appropriate legislation enacted depends on the legislative agenda. This and the other related start up steps can take time. I am aiming to have the charity up and running by 1 February 2016.

The money I am raising currently will be used to fund the initial work required to get the charity started up. This will mainly be used to instruct a solicitor a draft a suitable deed of trust and coordinate the required steps and formalities with the relevant government department; Charity Services. Any additional money will be applied to the charity's purpose once it is started. I intend to contribute my own money.

Because the charity is not yet created, I believe the correct view is that any deductions will not be tax deductible. If you are donating, I suggest this be your working assumption as well.

If you think this sounds like a good idea, please show your support by donating.

Steve Keall, barrister.