Downie Stewart Lawyers

Downie Stewart Lawyers is a Dunedin based mid-size law firm with a long heritage dating back to 1867. The firm delivers practical, results-oriented legal support for families and businesses across Otago and New Zealand, anchored by a client-for-life philosophy. Their approach focuses on listening to clients, clear communication, and tailored solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term goals.

Supported by a team of experienced partners and lawyers, Downie Stewart Lawyers is known for pragmatic, responsive advice across a range of practices including Family, Employment & Labor, Real Estate and Dispute Resolution. The firm emphasises building enduring partnerships and providing accessible advice that fits clients' circumstances, whether in rural Otago or urban Dunedin.

In addition to traditional consultations, the firm offers in-person and remote meetings, Notary services and Private Client support. The client-for-life ethos guides every interaction, ensuring clients feel supported through complex life events and ongoing legal needs with straightforward, cost-conscious pathways to solutions.

About Downie Stewart Lawyers

Founded in 1867

Practice areas

Family

Employment & Labor

Real Estate

Private Client

Lawsuits & Disputes

Languages spoken

English

Social media

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Practice areas

Family

Downie Stewart Lawyers provides Family law and relationship property services including separation, child custody, support, and complex property settlements. The firm takes a practical approach to negotiations and court proceedings, prioritising clear communication, client goals, and cost-efficient strategies while maintaining respect and confidentiality for all parties.

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

Downie Stewart Lawyers advises both employers and employees on employment contracts, workplace policies, disciplinary processes, redundancy, and dispute resolution. They aim to reduce risk and protect clients' rights through pragmatic negotiation, mediation, and, when necessary, court proceedings.

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

Real Estate

Downie Stewart Lawyers handles residential and commercial property transactions, conveyancing, rural and development work, and related leases. The firm supports clients through title transfers, due diligence, financing, and subdivision matters with a focus on efficient processes and practical outcomes.

Commercial Real Estate

Housing, Construction & Development

Foreclosure

Land Use & Zoning

Landlord & Tenant

Mortgage

Real Estate Due Diligence

Real Estate Contracts and Negotiations

Brokerage

Conveyancing

Private Client

Downie Stewart Lawyers provides private client services including wills, estate planning, trusts, powers of attorney, and related administrative matters. They tailor solutions to clients' family dynamics and asset protection needs, with careful attention to taxation considerations and succession planning.

Elder Law

Estate Planning

Guardianship

Nursing Home Abuse

Probate

Trusts

Will & Testament

Elder Abuse Law

Inheritance Law

Lawsuits & Disputes

Downie Stewart Lawyers delivers dispute resolution and litigation services across civil matters, utilising mediation to resolve disputes where possible and representing clients in court and tribunals when required. The firm emphasises early dispute assessment, strategic case planning, and cost-effective advocacy.

ADR Mediation & Arbitration

Appeal

Class Action

General Litigation

Ethics and Professional Responsibility

Commercial Litigation

Antitrust Litigation

Restructuring & Insolvency

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