Home - Community Law - Free Legal Help throughout New Zealand

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How we
can help

Got a legal problem? Maybe we can help. We’re lawyers and we’re also community workers. We listen carefully, we’re whānau friendly, and we help you find solutions you feel comfortable with. We’re passionate about making sure that everyone in Aotearoa, no matter how little money you have, has access to justice and enjoys real equality.

Community Law is all around the country, from Kaitāia to Rēkohu (the Chathams). We offer all sorts of free legal help, from easy-to-read information, to community workshops, to one-on-one legal help.

That everyone in Aotearoa
knows and stands up for their rights

Our Purpose

GENERAL INFO & EDUCATION

SPECIFIC QUESTIONS

Buy a copy of our practical legal guide, the Community Law Manual

Book a legal education workshop at your local Community Law Centre

Find the answer in the Community Law Manual online

Check out our easy-to-read guides about different areas of the law

Find and adapt a legal letter and solve your problem yourself

Quick links:

Resources Bookshop Legal Information

INITIAL LEGAL ADVICE

ONGOING LEGAL HELP

Come in and see a lawyer at your local Community Law Centre.

Depending on your situation we may be able to give you free ongoing legal help. To start with, come in and see a lawyer at your local Community Law Centre.

Quick links:

Free legal help Visit your local Law Centre

WHO WE HELP

Our online resources and community workshops are for all New Zealanders. However, we aim to give free one-on-one legal help to people who don’t have much money – for example, if you’re on a benefit or have a low income. We also aim to help vulnerable people – for example, if you’re struggling with housing or living with violence.

WHAT PROBLEMS WE HELP WITH

Community Law helps with all kinds of legal problems, from employment, family and housing issues to criminal matters, human rights and Māori land. In general, we don’t help with issues about your property or business.

FIND OUT MORE