We’re dedicated to helping our people, clients and firm thrive.

At AWS Legal, we believe that legal advice is more than just paperwork and technicalities. We believe it’s important to build relationships with our clients and provide services that truly meet their needs.

We understand that the legal process can be overwhelming, and that’s why we aim to keep you informed every step of the way. Our team is committed to delivering on our promises, so you can have confidence in the services we provide.

When you work with us, you’ll be assigned a lead partner who will oversee your case and keep an eye on the big picture. This ensures that all work is completed efficiently and that practical advice is given in your best interests.

Our partners and solicitors all specialise in different areas of law and are always learning and improving. We have offices all over Southland and Central Otago, so you’ll benefit from the expertise and skills of a large firm, as well as our local knowledge and passion.

Whether you need help with buying or selling property, protecting your assets, planning your estate, or dealing with family law issues, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us today and see how we can make a difference for you.

Our Values

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Better Together

We are Collegial and operate as a team.

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Be Exceptional

We achieve great outcomes. We give only the best service and hire the best talent.

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Do it Smarter

We are innovative. We take on challenges and embrace change.

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Be Respectful

We show respect for our people, clients and the law. We respect diverse opinions and backgrounds.

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Always Authentic

We are professional and down to earth. We tell it straight and are courageous.

Our Story

Our practice has a rich history that started way back in 1890 when Watson & McNab was founded. Some of the notable figures produced by this firm were Sir Robert McNab, who later became Minister of Justice, and Neil Watson, who served as Mayor of Invercargill for nine years. The firm eventually became Watson & Watson.

Fast forward to 1935, Hanan, Arthur & Co was established, and among its partners were some judges and politicians. Ralph Hanan, one of the partners, served as Mayor of Invercargill before becoming Minister of Justice and Attorney General. Other partners included Colin Fraser, who was appointed High Court Judge, Patrick Toomey, who became a District Court Judge, and Mervyn Rodgers, who became Secretary-General of the New Zealand Law Society.

In 1977, Trevor Savage joined Watson & McNab as a partner, and the firm was renamed Watson & Savage. Then in 1984, Watson & Savage and Hanan Arthur & Co merged to form Arthur Watson Savage, the largest legal practice in Southland.

In the early 1990s, we decided to focus more heavily on the southern business sector. Through strategic recruitment and professional development, we honed our knowledge in property development, company law, and corporate structuring.

In the mid-90s, we predicted the rural-driven economic boom and positioned ourselves to support this growing sector.

Today, AWS Legal is one of the top business and private client practices in the South Island with 6 regional offices throughout Southland and Central Otago.

Our Community

Making a Positive Impact in Our Community
At AWS Legal, we love getting involved in our local community. It’s important to us to give back to the places where we live and work. We want to do our bit to make a positive difference, and we believe that supporting our community is the right thing to do. Our firm, and our staff, take part in all sorts of activities to help out, including fundraising, donations, pro bono work, and volunteering.

At AWS Legal, we’re committed to promoting the well-being of our community. We partner with local organisations to support initiatives that promote physical, mental, and emotional health. We believe that a healthy community is a happy community, and we’re dedicated to doing our part to promote all aspects of well-being.

Southland Charity Hospital Logo - a maroon and gold emblem with the words Southland Charity Hospital below in maroon.

We partner with local organisations to support business development initiatives and mentorship programs for aspiring entrepreneurs. We also support initiatives that promote innovation and technological advancement in our community. We believe that supporting business and innovation can lead to economic growth and create new opportunities for our community.

We are proud supporters of

NZ Dairy Awards Logo - shows a black vector cow on a field Queenstown Business Chamber Logo - features black text on a white background COIN South Logo - a circular emblem featuring the acronym 'COIN' in black letters on a yellow background, with 'South' written in smaller font below it.

 

At AWS Legal, we believe in the importance of lifelong learning and continuous professional development. We believe that education and training are key to personal and professional growth, and we’re committed to supporting initiatives that provide access to quality education and training for all members of our community.

We are proud supporters of

"Invercargill Young Professionals' Logo - a blue and white emblem featuring the letters 'IYP' and the full name of the organisation.   Wakatipu High School Foundation Logo

We believe in the power of sports to bring people together and promote physical and mental well-being. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to participate in sports and benefit from the positive effects that come with it, regardless of their background or ability

We are proud supporters of

Invercargill Netball Centre Logo

Our Offices

Invercargill – Waihōpai

Address: 80 Don Street, Invercargill

Postal: PO Box 1207, Invercargill 9840

Email: admin@awslegal.co.nz

Phone: 032111370

Email: 032144122

Get in touch

Queenstown – Tāhuna

Address: Level 2, The Forge, Athol Street, Queenstown

Postal: PO Box 1322, Queenstown, 9348

Email: Queenstown.Reception@awslegal.co.nz

Phone: 034410616

Email: 032144122

Get in touch

Alexandra – Areketanara

Address: Level 1, 77 Centennial Avenue, Alexandra, 9340

Postal: PO Box 268 Alexandra 9320

Email: Alexandra.Reception@awslegal.co.nz

Phone: 034400026

Email: 032144122

Get in touch

Winton

Address: 270 Great North Road, Winton 9720

Postal: PO Box 14 Winton 9741

Email: admin@awslegal.co.nz

Phone: 032367000

Email: 032144122

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Gore – Māruawai

Address: 11 Bowler Avenue, Gore 9710

Email: admin@awslegal.co.nz

Phone: 032111370

Email: 032144122

Get in touch

Te Anau

Address: 112 Town Centre, Te Anau 9600

Email: admin@awslegal.co.nz

Phone: 032111370

Email: 032144122

Get in touch