Criminal legal aid lawyers in Timaru
8 lawyers at 5 firms in Timaru can take criminal legal aid cases. Their phone numbers are below. Legal aid helps pay for a lawyer if you can't afford one.
Not sure where to start? Read what to do first below, or call the Ministry of Justice legal aid line on 0800 253 425 (free, weekdays 8am to 5pm).
What to do first
If you've been charged
- Apply for legal aid as soon as you're charged. Don't wait for your first day in court.
- On your first day in court, ask for the duty lawyer. It's free, and they can help you apply for legal aid.
- For most charges, the Ministry chooses your legal aid lawyer. For very serious charges (more than 10 years in prison), you can choose your own.
Legal aid in Timaru at a glance
- 8 lawyers can take criminal legal aid cases, including the most serious charges (level 4 of 4).
- 8 lawyers work as duty lawyers, the free help at court on your first day.
- 2 lawyers give free advice to people held by the police.
Free help near Timaru
Free legal advice
Community Law Canterbury & West Coast
Christchurch office · 146 km from Timaru
(03) 366 6870Free legal help from lawyers, for people who can't afford one. They also hold clinics in smaller towns. Contact details and clinics
Free advice and forms
CAB South Canterbury
27 Strathallan Street, Timaru
In Timaru
03 687 7362Phone and email only at this branch. They can help you understand forms and find the right service.
Duty lawyer
Timaru District Court
12-14 North Street, Timaru
In Timaru
0800 268 787On your first day in court, ask at reception for the duty lawyer. It's free if you don't have a lawyer.
Nearest by distance from the centre of Timaru. Checked 5 October 2026. Offices sometimes move, so call before you go.
Criminal legal aid lawyers in Timaru, A to Z
Every lawyer the Ministry of Justice lists in Timaru, grouped by firm. Call to check they can take your case.
3 legal aid lawyers · See firm page →
Criminal · up to level 4 of 4Duty lawyerPolice station adviceFamilyFamily legal adviceCivilMental health- Jay Bruce Lovely · Criminal · up to level 2 of 4, Duty lawyer, Police station advice, Family, Family legal advice, Civil, Mental health
- Matt Lloyd Bonniface · Criminal · up to level 1 of 4, Duty lawyer
- Tim Graham Jackson · Criminal · up to level 4 of 4, Duty lawyer, Family · (027) 589 7097
John Black - Barrister
(027) 27385661 legal aid lawyer
Criminal · up to level 2 of 4Duty lawyerJohn Anthony Michael Black
The Law Loft Limited
(03) 68472401 legal aid lawyer
Criminal · up to level 2 of 4Duty lawyerPolice station adviceFamilyFamily legal adviceCivilCharlotte Emma Clifford
2 legal aid lawyers · See firm page →
Criminal · up to level 2 of 4Duty lawyerFamilyFamily legal advice- Codi Ann Lilley · Criminal · up to level 2 of 4, Duty lawyer, Family
- Rachel Gaye Napier · Criminal · up to level 1 of 4, Duty lawyer, Family, Family legal advice
Teresa Lawrence Lawyer Limited
(021) 24362761 legal aid lawyer
CriminalDuty lawyerFamilyFamily legal adviceShannon Teresa Lawrence
Verified with the Ministry of Justice legal aid list on 12 October 2026. Lawyer details are from the Ministry of Justice, used under CC BY 4.0. We group them by firm and town and add links to firm pages. The Ministry of Justice decides who gets legal aid; Find A Lawyer is not part of the Ministry. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
Other types of case in Timaru
Criminal legal aid lawyers in nearby towns
All legal aid lawyers in Canterbury →
Not sure who'll take your case?
Tell us your situation and we'll match you with a legal aid lawyer, free. Say in a few words what's happening, and that you need legal aid.