What we do
We are New Zealand barristers, offering a nationwide service from our chambers in the Wairarapa, just over the hill from Wellington.
Whether you are in need of a lawyer for criminal matters, civil disputes, or family law issues, we can guide you through the often daunting legal process, and make the overwhelming as painless as possible.
At Wairarapa Law, we offer a comprehensive litigation and dispute resolution service. Whether you need:
- a Court room advocate,
- a diplomatic negotiator
- or a skilled mediator,
Our team of professionals can assist you.
How we work
Wairarapa Law is neither a firm nor a partnership. Rather, members of Chambers practise separately and independently as barristers sole. Indeed, as in other jurisdictions, it is not uncommon for individual members of Chambers to be retained by opposing sides in the same dispute and to appear before other members sitting as arbitrators and mediators.
Confidentiality and independence is central to the services provided. Members share some common resources in Chambers, but each has their own self-contained office. Members also have their own computer systems, secure storage, email addresses and contact numbers ,which allow them to practice in confidence and with independence.
All members adhere strictly to their professional duties to treat communications as confidential and avoid conflicts of interest.
Instructing a member
Much of the work undertaken by members of Chambers is referred from solicitors’ firms. However, members also receive instructions from in-house counsel and overseas’ lawyers, and are regularly approached directly by clients.
Due to professional regulations, it is not always possible for a client to instruct a member directly. An instructing solicitor may be required to issue the instruction on behalf of the client. We can advise you on this and have an extensive network of referring solicitors if that is required.
Instructing a member of Chambers is a straight-forward process. All members receive and manage their own instructions, so please contact them directly using the details provided on their individual pages. Those pages also contain information about their professional background, experience and practice areas.
How much will it cost me to call you with my legal problem?
Not a cent. Literally, it will be free – call 0275049209 to speak to us. Despite what many fear, we will not bill you simply for calling, emailing, or walking in to the office to enquire about your legal affairs. If you decide to have us attend to your legal needs, you will be sent of letter of engagement, outlining how we bill, primarily with reference to our hourly rates. These are available on request, and if possible you will be informed of the likely cost of your case.
Free via Skype
Do I really need a lawyer?
Many people leave it far too late to call a lawyer, thinking they can save themselves some money by doing what they view is right – be that going to Court and pleading guilty on the first appearance, or dealing with a party in a civil dispute directly. We ask you this: would you undertake complex surgery or dental work yourself? Do your own plumbing or electrical work? Quality advice and representation is often necessary, and can save you thousands when engaged sooner rather than later.
A Loved One is in Trouble, can I engage you for them?
You can contact us and make an appointment for them, and by all means you can assist them with their legal costs, but the person with the problem is the one that must choose their lawyer. If we are engaged, unless they provide us with written authority, we will not be able to discuss their case with you.