Free General Legal Advice Services

Community Law Canterbury offers a general legal advice service as well as specialist advice and information services. We do not give advice over the phone and do not advise in commercial matters or give advice to landlords or employers. We have the following advice services:

General Legal Help

The law centre operates a drop in free legal advice service which is staffed by volunteer solicitors, senior law students and graduates. The graduate or student volunteer will interview clients privately and then consult with the solicitor on duty to obtain the appropriate advice. Where ongoing help is needed and there is an unmet legal need, staff solicitors can provide assistance on a variety of general legal issues as well as employment mediation, benefit reviews, ACC reviews as well as Court/Tribunal representation.

We are currently operating free drop in sessions at our office on Shaw Ave, New Brighton:

Wednesday Evenings 5.30 to 7.00pm

We are also run appointments duirng that day at our New Brighton office and our Riccarton Rd office however these are by appointment only:

Monday to Thursday by appointment. Appointments can be made by phoning 03 366 6870.

Employment Advice

A specialist advice and information service for people with problems relating to employment law. This service operates every Wednesday afternoon and evening by appointment.

Wednesday between 2.00pm and 4.00pm and between 5.30pm and 7.00pm. Appointments can be made by phoning 03 366 6870.

Voluntary Sector Service

A specialist legal advice and information service for non profit community organisations. Appointments can be made by phoning reception on 03 366 6870.

Resource Management Service

A specialist advice service for people and groups with problems relating to the Resource Management Act 1991 and other areas of planning law. This service operates every Tuesday evening from 6pm by appointment. Appointments can be made by phoning reception on 03 366 6870.

This service is back up and running after the earthquakes. Appointments can be made by phoning 03 366 6870.

Legal Help for Older People

Community Law Canterbury provides an advice service for elderly people by appointment at Age Concern Canterbury. Appointments are essential and can be made by phoning 03 366 0903

Legal Help for Young People

A staff solicitor is available to focus on the unmet legal needs of young people. Support and advocacy for attendance at Board Trustee hearings is available. For appointments phone reception on 03 366 6870.

Statutory Declarations

Community Law Canterbury offer a free statutory declaration service. Doccuments can be certified by a Solicitor from Monday to Thursday at 35 Riccarto Road between 3.00pm and 5.00pm.