Purnell Creighton Lawyers - Property, Family & Civil Law Experts

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Purnell Creighton Lawyers is a distinguished law firm that has been serving the Christchurch community since 1919. Founded by George Purnell, the firm has built a rich history of providing high-quality legal services to the people of Canterbury for over 90 years. The firm takes pride in its multicultural team of lawyers who specialise in various areas of law, offering comprehensive legal solutions tailored to clients' unique needs.

The firm's core practice areas include property law, family law, litigation and dispute resolution, and wills, trusts and estates. In property law, they assist with buying and selling properties, drafting agreements, cross-leasing, subdivisions, mortgage security, building contracts, and tenancy agreements. Their family law services encompass care of children, child support, separation, relationship property, pre-nuptial agreements, domestic violence matters, and adoptions. The litigation team handles civil and criminal cases, commercial litigation, employment law, traffic law, arbitration, mediation, and building disputes.

While Purnell Creighton's roots lie in Canterbury, their reach has expanded significantly with advancements in technology and telecommunications, allowing them to proudly serve clients across New Zealand and internationally. The firm is committed to delivering constructive and cost-effective resolutions to legal matters, ensuring clients' rights are protected and their goals achieved through friendly, pragmatic advice delivered in understandable language.

Purnell Creighton also offer services in:

Cantonese, Hokkien, Indonesian, Malay and Mandarin
5
lawyers
3
partners
184+ years
of combined experience
37+ years
of experience on average per lawyer
Lawyers admitted to the following courts:
  • Dunedin High Court
  • Christchurch High Court
  • Palmerston North High Court
Can provide Legal Aid in the following cases:
  • Family matters, including free initial family legal advice
  • Criminal charges, including serious charges · Duty lawyer at court · Parole
  • Civil matters, such as ACC, employment and tribunals
  • Mental health
Checked against the Ministry of Justice legal aid list on 8 Nov 2026
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Practices In:

Property Law

They specialise in:
  • Commercial Property
  • Conveyancing
  • Commercial Leases
  • Mortgages & Refinancing
  • Purchase
  • Sale
  • Subdivision & Property Development
  • Unit Titles & Body Corporate

Family Law Law

They specialise in:
  • Adoption
  • Child Support
  • Children & Parenting
  • Relationship Property
  • Divorce
  • Contracting Out (Prenup) Agreements
  • Protection Orders

Civil Litigation & Disputes Law

They specialise in:
  • General Civil Disputes
  • Contract Disputes & Misrepresentation
  • Negligence & Professional Negligence
  • Debt Recovery & Enforcement

Alternative Dispute Resolution Law

They specialise in:
  • Arbitration
  • Mediation

Building & Construction Law

They specialise in:
  • Construction Disputes & Payment Claims

Criminal Law

They specialise in:
  • Assault
  • Traffic Offences
  • Family Violence

Employment Law

They specialise in:
  • Unfair Dismissal & Personal Grievance
  • Employment Agreements & Contracts

Wills & Estates Law

They specialise in:
  • Wills & Estate Planning
  • Estate Administration & Probate
  • Trusts
  • Power of Attorney
  • Estate Dispute

Business Law

They specialise in:
  • Commercial
  • Buying or Selling a Business
  • Contract Drafting & Review
  • Insurance Claims & Disputes

Location:

35 Leslie Hills Drive, Riccarton, Christchurch 8011

Ratings and reviews

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