Canterbury-Westland branch office re-opens

The New Zealand Law Society’s Canterbury-Westland branch office has re-opened and staff are busy tidying up a mass of files and material shaken to the floor in Saturday’s earthquake.

The office did not suffer any major damage, and branch manager Malcolm Ellis says all staff are back at work.

Mr Ellis estimates that about 70-80% of law firms in the earthquake-affected area are back in business or have organised client-lawyer communications.

He says he has heard from two lawyers whose places of business have been condemned. The Law Society is now assisting them with client contact and management.

“I would stress to anyone who needs legal advice from the Canterbury region to ring their lawyer first. If they find they are unable to make contact, they should then ring us at the Canterbury-Westland branch office and we can assist,” he says.

© New Zealand Law Society 2008