Community Law Canterbury, also known as Te Ture Whānui o Waitaha, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing accessible and high-quality legal assistance to individuals in Canterbury and the West Coast who encounter barriers to justice. The firm offers a comprehensive range of services, including general legal advice, information dissemination, specialist consultations, and educational programs. Their areas of expertise encompass family law, tenancy issues, employment disputes, and consumer rights, ensuring that clients receive informed and tailored support for their specific legal concerns.

Renowned for its commitment to community service, Community Law Canterbury operates various outreach initiatives to extend its reach beyond the central office. These include the Family Law Advice and Information Service at the Christchurch Justice Precinct, as well as clinics in locations such as Linwood, Ashburton, Timaru, Rangiora, Aranui, Hornby, and Greymouth. By offering these services, the firm demonstrates a steadfast dedication to reducing and removing barriers to the law, ensuring that legal assistance is available to those who need it most.

At the core of Community Law Canterbury's client service approach is a focus on inclusivity and support. The firm encourages clients to bring relevant documents and, if desired, a support person to appointments, recognizing the importance of clear communication and understanding in legal matters. Additionally, the organization emphasizes the well-being of its clients by providing referrals to support services when legal issues cause stress or anxiety. This holistic approach underscores their commitment to not only addressing legal needs but also promoting the overall welfare of the community they serve.

About Community Law Canterbury
Practice areas
Family
Employment & Labor
Criminal Defense
Consumer Rights
Civil & Human Rights

Languages spoken
English

Practice areas

Family

Community Law Canterbury offers specialized family law services through a drop-in clinic at the Christchurch Justice Precinct, available Mondays from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and Wednesdays from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm. The clinic provides advice on family violence (Protection Orders), care of children (Parenting Orders), guardianship, and welfare guardianship under the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988. While they do not advise on relationship property, wills, trusts, or estates, they offer basic information and referrals to appropriate practitioners in these areas.
Adoption
Child Abuse
Child Custody
Child Support
Child Visitation
Collaborative Law
Divorce & Separation
Domestic Violence
Father's Rights
Marriage
Military Divorce
Same Sex & LGBT
Annulment

Employment & Labor

Community Law Canterbury offers specialist employment law advice to employees, assisting with issues such as employment agreements, workplace disputes, and understanding rights and obligations under New Zealand employment law. Their services include initial consultations to assess legal problems, guidance on potential solutions, and, where appropriate, ongoing legal assistance. They provide appointments at their central city office and various outreach locations, ensuring accessible support for individuals facing employment-related challenges.
Employment Rights
Hiring & Firing
Job Discrimination
Labor Law
Pension
Retirement
Sexual Harassment
Social Security
Wage & Hour
Wrongful Termination
Whistleblower & Qui Tam
Employment Benefits & Executive Compensation

Criminal Defense

Community Law Canterbury provides free initial legal advice on criminal charges, assisting clients in understanding their legal rights and options. They offer appointments at their central city office, with availability during the day, after hours, and on Saturdays. Additionally, they operate outreach services in various locations, including The Loft in Linwood, Ashburton, Timaru, Rangiora, Aranui, Hornby, Greymouth, and Ngā Hau e Whā Marae, ensuring accessible legal support across Canterbury and the West Coast. For individuals in Christchurch prisons, they offer a Prison Advice Service, providing general legal advice, including assistance with parole board hearings and release conditions. Their commitment to reducing barriers to justice is evident through these comprehensive services.
Arrests & Searches
Bail Bond Service
Criminal Litigation
Drug Crime
Drunk Driving
DUI & DWI
Juvenile Law
Sex Crime
Speeding & Traffic Ticket
White Collar Crime

Consumer Rights

Community Law Canterbury provides comprehensive consumer law education through seminars that cover essential topics such as consumer rights, protections under the law, purchasing goods and services, private sales, buying on credit, and door-to-door sales. These sessions also address consumer remedies when issues arise, equipping individuals with the knowledge to navigate consumer-related challenges effectively.
Auto Dealer Fraud
Civil Litigation
Consumer Protection
Legal Malpractice
Professional Malpractice

Civil & Human Rights

Community Law Canterbury provides specialized legal assistance in civil and human rights matters, focusing on individuals and communities in Canterbury and the West Coast who face barriers to accessing justice. Their services include legal advice, information, and education aimed at empowering clients to understand and assert their rights effectively. By addressing issues such as discrimination, social exclusion, and inequality, they work to promote social justice and ensure equitable treatment under the law.
Civil Rights
Constitutional Law
Disability
Disability Insurance
Social Security Disability
Discrimination
Native People
Education Law
Military Law
Animal Law
Faith-Based Law
State, Local, and Municipal Law
Veterans Benefits

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