The 9 Best Lawyers in Hamilton
David Harris
| Last Updated: November 2024 - The Best Lawyers in Hamilton
- 1) Rahul Sharma - Sharma Law
- 2) Andrew Fletcher – Evans Bailey Lawyers
- 3) Angela Cook – O’Sheas Barristers and Solicitors
- 4) Jo Wadmore – The Legal Stuff
- 5) Jesse Savage – Norris Ward McKinnon
- 6) Alexandria Till – Harkness Henry
- 7) Martin Dillon Barrister
- 8) Claire Gibson – Foundation Legal
- 9) Caring Estates
Got yourself into a dispute? Well, you don’t have to worry, as we’ve listed the best lawyers in Hamiton here who can handle it for you.
But first, we’ll examine the average cost of getting a lawyer in the city. By doing this, you’ll find it easier to decide from our top picks, which will follow after the cost part.
Are you ready? Let’s go!
How Much Does Getting a Lawyer Cost in Hamilton?
Lawyer fees differ widely in Hamilton. Depending on the lawyer’s rank and service, they can range between $180 and $425 per hour.
That price range goes for all sorts of lawyers, whether they specialise in property, commercial, civil, family, banking, criminal, trust law, or a combination of these.
It’s important to note that most lawyers don’t include GST in their fees, estimates, or disbursements, so the rates can get higher than the estimate you are given.
Here are the hourly rates offered by some Hamilton law firms:
| Hamilton law firm | Lawyer fees |
| O’Sheas Barristers and Solicitors | $220 – $425 per hour (GST exclusive) |
| KJ Law | $250 – $350 per hour (GST exclusive) |
| Michael Hunwick | $180 – $280 per hour |
However, you can be charged with a fixed rate instead. This can be the full cost already or you may have to pay for each work that’s completed.
Besides that, you may have to pay a retainer fee. This is the sum you initially pay to your lawyer, where he will deduct from it every time a service is completed.
There’s also a charge if you buy or sell a property. It can be a percentage (for instance, 0.1% of the property value) or fixed (such as from $900 to $1,000).
Furthermore, there’s usually a cancellation or overdue fee in case you decide to suddenly stop the lawyer’s service or fail to pay on time.
Bear in mind, that before you start the service, you ask the lawyer to explain all the prices you have to pay, including the registration, court, third-party fees, among others.
This is so you won’t be surprised when you get your invoice and more importantly, you won’t spend more than you have to.
The Best Lawyers in Hamilton
With that in mind, we now show you our lineup of the best lawyers in Hamilton!
1) Rahul Sharma – Sharma Law
| Expertise | Temporary Visa Residence Visa Accreditation Business Complicated Cases |
| Website | https://sharmalaw.co.nz/our-team/rahul-sharma/ |
| Address | 7 Kimiora Close, Fairview Downs, Hamilton 3214, New Zealand |
| Contact details | +64 07 855 2663 [email protected] [email protected] |
Sharma Law, led by Rahul Sharma, stands out as a premier immigration law firm based in Hamilton, New Zealand, with a global reach. Established in 2010, Sharma Law has built a strong reputation for providing expert and affordable immigration services. With a focus on flexibility, ethical practices, and long-term client relationships, they have positioned themselves as Waikato’s leading provider of immigration legal services.
Rahul Sharma and his team bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. With over 18 years of experience in law practice and a 95% success rate, they demonstrate a strong grasp of New Zealand immigration law and policy. Their in-depth understanding of visa services and ability to navigate complex immigration processes are significant assets for clients.
Having handled cases involving migration from all parts of the world, Sharma Law provides tailored services to a diverse client base. Their ability to address unique client stories with personalized solutions makes them particularly appealing for international applicants.
Rahul Sharma’s dual admission to the bar in New Zealand and India reflects his global qualifications and versatile legal expertise. His extensive experience in legal research, policy, and practice management underscores his ability to lead a competent team effectively.
Sharma Law’s emphasis on ethical practices and building long-term client relationships demonstrates their commitment to prioritizing client interests. Their flexibility in handling cases ensures they cater to individual needs, providing solutions tailored to client-specific immigration goals.
Despite offering top-tier legal services, Sharma Law maintains affordability, which is a significant advantage for individuals navigating the often costly immigration process.
As Hamilton’s trusted name in immigration services, Sharma Law enjoys strong local credibility. Their proven track record and focus on quality legal services make them a go-to option for those seeking immigration assistance in the Waikato region.
2) Andrew Fletcher – Evans Bailey Lawyers
| Expertise | Property law Trusts Commercial law Company and partnership law Farming and rural law Wills |
| Website | https://www.evansbailey.co.nz/our-people/andrew-gordon-fletcher |
| Address | Level 3, 11 Garden Place, Hamilton, New Zealand |
| Contact details | Phone: 07 834 6456 Fax: 07 838 2454 Email: [email protected] |
Andrew Fletcher is the director of Evans Bailey Lawyers. This is a respected legal practice based at 11 Garden Place in Hamilton.
Andrew specialises in many areas including property law, commercial law, farming and rural law, company and partnership law, and trusts and wills.
With his broad expertise, he aims to present you with all your options and provide a solution that will meet your needs.
He graduated from Canterbury University with an LLB (Hons) degree. He’s also a New Zealand District Law Society member and the Inter-Country Adoption NZ chairman.
3) Angela Cook – O’Sheas Barristers and Solicitors
| Expertise | Adoption Matters involving children Adult relationships Divorce Relationship property Contracting-out agreements De facto relationships Trust litigation Estate Protection of personal and property rights |
| Website | http://www.osheaslaw.co.nz/#post-2630 |
| Address | 70 Rostrevor Street, Hamilton CBD 3204, New Zealand |
| Contact details | [email protected] |
| Office hours | Monday – Friday: 8.30 AM – 5.00 PM Saturday – Sunday: Closed |
If you’re looking for a dependable family lawyer, Angela Cook sure fits the bill. She’s a senior associate at O’Sheas Lawyers.
From divorce to adoption cases, and everything in between, she has considerable experience. She can also handle complex legal matters that relate to trusts and estates.
Like the entire team at O’Sheas Barristers and Solicitors, she strives to provide you with a stress-free experience and won’t add to the problem that you’re going through.
Besides that, rates can be charged on an hourly basis, which is cheaper with Angela as opposed to those in different law firms.
Angela can also take on your case if you’re granted legal aid. That’s provided that you’ve done your obligations to the Ministry of Justice as can be viewed here.
Customer Reviews
Previous clients said that the team at O’Sheas was professional and friendly.
One client named Troy said this on Google:
“Such great sound advice. Everyone is so friendly. Really couldn’t recommend them more strongly.”
Also, David remarked of the law firm:
“Very approachable professional and stress -free firm.”
4) Jo Wadmore – The Legal Stuff
| Expertise | Property transactions Estate administration |
| Website | https://www.thelegalstuff.co.nz |
| Address | PO Box 28028, Rototuna, Hamilton 3256 259 Hukanui Road, Chartwell, Hamilton |
| Contact details | Ph: 07 838-7099 Mobile: 027 460 9171 [email protected] |
| Office hours | 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday Weekends/Evenings by appointment |
Looking for a lawyer to guide you through buying a home? If you are, then look no further than Jo Wadmore.
With over 20 years of experience, she’s one of the best lawyers in Hamilton. According to clients, she’s down-to-earth, responsive, and helpful to work with from start to finish.
She never drowns you in the law jargons but makes everything easy to understand. That is one of her strengths that people have come to love about her.
Her niche lies in the areas of property transactions and estate management. And she’s a fervent supporter of animal rights so you can ask her about this too.
Jo is also the director of The Legal Stuff, as well as a member of the New Zealand Animal Law Association.
Customer Reviews
Clients praised Jo for being pleasant to work with, humble, and kind. Check out some of their feedback.
Here’s feedback from one client, Daniel:
“We are so grateful for Jo holding our hand along the way on our journey to buying our first home. She’s far more than we expected – very down to earth and easy to communicate with, and she has a great team supporting her. We will tell all our friends, Atticus Legal is the only law firm to consider when buying your first home. Thanks Atticus.”
Also, Paul wrote this:
“Jo was great to deal with through the whole process. Nice easy and efficient. Jo worked around our hectic schedules and made everything easy. Fees were very reasonable. Will definitely be back in touch with them in the future.”
5) Jesse Savage – Norris Ward McKinnon
| Expertise | Civil litigation Property disputes Equitable and specialist remedies Debt collection Commercial disputes |
| Website | https://www.nwm.co.nz/our-team/jesse-savage/ |
| Address | 711 Victoria Street, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand |
| Contact details | (07) 834 6078 021 671 675 [email protected] |
| Office hours | Monday – Friday: 8.15 AM – 5.15 PM Saturday – Sunday: Closed |
Jesse Savage is a senior associate at Norris Ward McKinnon. He can assist you in disputes relating to civil litigation, property, commercial, consumer law, and others.
He has an excellent track record with his previous clients and has acted for them in arbitration and High Court proceedings.
Jesse is known for giving practical advice to clients. He works according to your best interests and makes certain that your particular needs are met.
Aside from what we mentioned, he can also assist in debt collection and business-related matters, including insolvency, tax compromises, and tax disputes.
You can contact Jesse at the number or email provided above. Or you can visit him at the office at 711 Victoria Street in Hamilton from Monday to Friday.
Customer Reviews
Norris Ward McKinnon garnered 4.4/5 stars on Google. Most reviews said that their lawyers were quick, friendly, and reliable.
Let’s take a look at Anne’s feedback of the firm:
“Excellent lawyers get back to you very quickly when you have a question, keep you up to date with what is happening, very proffessional.”
Moreover, Ethan commented this:
“These guys seriously know their stuff! They’re always going above and beyond for me and my business. 10 stars. Wouldn’t use anyone else.”
6) Alexandria Till – Harkness Henry
| Expertise | Employment law |
| Website | https://www.harknesshenry.co.nz/staff-member/alexandria-till/ |
| Address | KPMG Centre Level 8/85 Alexandra Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand |
| Contact details | +64 7 834 2630 [email protected] |
| Office hours | Monday to Friday: 8:30AM – 5:00PM |
In the confusing landscape of employment law, we doubt that you would easily find someone as good as Alex Till from Harkness Henry.
In our opinion, she is an all-around employment lawyer. She has solid experience and regularly advises on the policies of a business for both its employers and employees.
What sets her apart from other lawyers is her passion and proactiveness. As clients can attest, she can deliver a positive and affordable solution to workplace disputes.
Personal grievance, restructuring, unjust dismissal, workplace investigation… you name it, she has you covered.
Alex earned her Bachelor of Laws and Arts degree from Otago University. Soon after, in 2005, she was admitted to the bar.
7) Martin Dillon Barrister
| Expertise | Civil Dispute Resolution, Criminal Prosecutions |
| Website | https://martindillon.nz/ |
| Address | 26 Thackeray Street Hamilton 3204 New Zealand |
| Contact details | 021 144 0486 | [email protected] |
| Office hours | Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
Martin Dillon Barrister is a litigation lawyer who deals with a broad range of disputes and prosecutions in New Zealand. He has represented clients in courts, tribunals, mediations and other dispute resolution processes since 2007.
If you’re looking for legal assistance in Civil Dispute and Criminal Prosecutions, Martin Dilo advises and represent clients specifically in these areas. He has prosecuted on behalf of ACC, the Crown, the Department of Corrections, the New Zealand Police and WorkSafe. As a Crown Prosecutor, he has dealt with fraud charges taken over from the Inland Revenue and the Ministry of Social Development.
What people recommend the most is his knowledgeable advice in many other kinds of law. He can provide articles, textbooks, guides, procedures and even sample cases for both his clients and for those who would simply like to learn more.
8) Claire Gibson – Foundation Legal
| Expertise | Residential and Commercial Property Law Subdivisions and Development Maori Land Wills and Estate Planning Succession Planning Trusts and Asset Protection Commercial and Corporate Law Charities and Incorporated Societies Relationship Property |
| Website | http://www.foundationlegal.co.nz/ |
| Address | Postal address: PO Box 20423, Te Rapa, Hamilton 3241 Physical Address Shop L313, The Base, Te Rapa, Hamilton 3200 |
| Contact details | P. 07 949 7879 M. 021 715 325 E. [email protected] |
Claire Gibson is the person to call for anything case related to assets as she specializes in advising clients regarding their property and commercial claims.
As the director of the Foundation Legal, she ensures that she, along with the whole company, provides the best and most profitable advices for maximum benefits.
They have fixed legal costs to ensure that you need only to pay once, and they’ll do the rest of the work for you. With no cost creeps to worry about, rest assured that you’ll be getting the best of their services with no additional price.
You can opt to go to their office, or have Claire or a part of the team come to you at the most suitable time for you!
Foundation Legal is readily available to answer inquiries, and you can check their fixed rates here.
9) Caring Estates
| SERVICES | Estates and Relationship Property |
| WEBSITE | https://caringestates.co.nz |
| ADDRESS | The Base Outlet Northgate, Te Rapa, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Mobile 021 077 7785 Email: [email protected] PO Box: 9092, Hamilton 3240 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 6 PM |
Caring Estates is a law firm founded by Hayley Boud, who is well-known for providing caring legal assistance to grieving families and separating couples. Caring Estates specialises in Letters of Administration applications and helping families obtain their loved one’s assets such as KiwiSaver, bank account funds and/or insurance and then assisting the families distribute these assets in accordance with the law.
Caring Estates also specialises in assisting separating couples move on and flourish by providing solutions that avoid the need for court and processes that are aimed to make your life easier such as online solutions and being available through phone, email, video-chat, and in person to suit your busy life.
Caring Estates also specialises in assisting new couples protect their assets with an iron-clad prenup (Contracting Out Agreement) that can be drawn up and signed within days of contacting Hayley.
Hayley offers a free 15-minute non-obligatory phone call to discuss your situation and the best way forward for your unique circumstances. You may wish to ask whether a 70% reduced DIY solution is suitable for your situation.
Caring Estates offers 100% fixed rate, fast turn around and is available online throughout New Zealand.
With everything they have to offer, we genuinely believe that Caring Estates is the best firm to work with in everything related to Estates and Relationship Property law, especially with Letters of Administration/Probate applications and Separation Agreements.
Customer Reviews
She was very knowledgeable and professional
“I highly recommend Hayley, She was very knowledgeable and professional, but most importantly Hayley made me feel at ease going into a potentially awkward meeting, with her calm presence and easy going approach letting the meeting flow naturally. Great outcome thanks again.” – Charlie
Hayley is absolutely amazing and very caring and Professional.
“Hayley is absolutely amazing and very caring and Professional. Highly Recommend would certainly be my first place I’d go if needed a lawyers advice and direction in future.” – Sheryl Nuttall
And that’s it for the best lawyers in Hamilton. With their skills and experience, they can settle the matter for you efficiently and without stress.
Have any questions or suggestions for our list? If you have one, kindly let us know by messaging us and we’ll get back to you in a bit.
Want more options for a family lawyer? If so, you can read about our list of the best family lawyers in Hamilton!
