About the network

More than 1000 lawyers across New Zealand's public sector form the Government Legal Network (GLN). It is their dedication to public service and the rule of law that supports the effective working of government. The Government Legal Network offers a shared pathway of legal expertise, professional development, and service to the Crown and New Zealanders.

The purpose of the GLN is to leverage the collective legal resources and expertise of the Crown to support the government in the lawful delivery of services to New Zealanders. It also provides opportunities for members to support each other and their wellbeing, enabling the sharing of their experiences and solutions.

The GLN is governed by the GLN Governance Board and supported by the System Leadership Team within Crown Law.

The Government Legal Services Strategy sets the direction for the GLN until 2026. It articulates the important areas of focus for equipping government lawyers to deliver legal services that support government to lawfully achieve its objectives. These areas of focus are: system leadership, te ao Māori, joined up and flexible services, strong network capability, and streamlined systems and tools. The System Leadership Team plays a key role in delivering the Strategy.