People in Christchurch needing legal work have been told it
may get done on time but Saturday's earthquake may also cause
serious delays.
The New Zealand Law Society said people with urgent legal
matters should contact their own lawyer first as many law
firms reopened for business, particularly those in suburban
Christchurch.
The society's Canterbury-Westland branch manager, Malcolm
Ellis, said many firms could be contacted by telephone or
email.
He said one property sale was settled today and settlements
through the major banks could probably be done at banking
centres outside Canterbury.
He said it was fortunate most settlements happened on Friday
and it was hoped banks would be able to cope with settlements
by then.
The Canterbury-Westland office of the New Zealand Law Society
in Christchurch would open for telephone inquiries at 9am
tomorrow.
Mr Ellis said lawyers from around the country had offered to
help.
"It is appreciated some people will have an urgent need for
legal advice and may have been unable to contact their
lawyer. This will be the case for property settlements,
scheduled court appearances and other matters."
He said anyone with an urgent legal inquiry who could not
contact their own lawyer could call one of three lawyers.
"We will not be able to give full legal advice, but will be
able to discuss concerns and suggest the next course of
action."
The three were: Malcolm Ellis (027 229 1773) for general
inquiries; Allister Davis (027 227 5333) for inquiries on
litigation; and Ferne Bradley (03 343 5880 or 027 223 4289)
for property inquiries.
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