Woodward Chrisp: Gisborne's Leading Law Firm Since 1884

Woodward Chrisp is a well-established law firm serving the Gisborne district and East Coast region, formed through the amalgamation of two long-standing legal practices: Woodward Iles & Co and Chrisp and Chrisp. With a history of providing legal services in the Gisborne district since 1884, the firm has grown to become a team of 40 professionals working from modern offices with excellent support staff and technology.

The firm offers comprehensive legal services across multiple practice areas including property law (residential, commercial and rural conveyancing, subdivisions, Māori land, leases, forestry), business law (buying and selling businesses, company formation, commercial law, shareholder agreements), family law (parenting, relationship property, domestic violence, mediation), trusts and estate planning (wills, powers of attorney, estate administration, probate), litigation (civil and commercial disputes, land disputes, mediation, arbitration), employment law (personal grievances, restructuring advice), and criminal law (all offences from minor matters to serious crimes including murder, with representation at all court levels).

Led by directors Adam Simperingham, Ellie FitzGerald, and Alison Bendall, Woodward Chrisp operates from two locations: their main office in Gisborne and a satellite office in Wairoa. The firm is a member of NZ Law, an association of 60 independent law firms, and prides itself on delivering excellent work within client timeframes while maintaining the highest professional standards. They are committed to understanding their clients' needs, providing practical and cost-effective solutions, and contributing positively to their community.