Rural law has progressed dramatically in recent years, and Partner Aaron Drake loves being right in the thick of it.

Aaron divides his time between AWS Legal’s head office in Invercargill and its Gore branch, enabling him to take his expertise directly to the firm’s rural clients.

“I’m not the sort of person who likes to sit in the back room – I like to get out there and meet the people,” he says.

A rural law expert, Aaron also specialises in commercial law, particularly in company formations, small business and property subdivisions, as well as wills and trusts.

Aaron relishes any opportunity to arm himself with new skills. “Law is always changing so you have to keep up with it.”

Gone are the days of farms being regarded as small family businesses – with many farms worth over $1 million, farmers have adopted a more professional approach.

“They’re now more business orientated than they ever have been,” Aaron says.  “They’ve got more advisors on board than they used to. There’s just so much to be gained if they look at it seriously.’’

Since joining AWS Legal as an office junior in 1993, Aaron has progressed through the ranks.  “Just being involved in law, that’s where the interest evolved,” he says.  After graduating from Otago University in 1999, Aaron honed his skills at the firm before seeking out the bright lights of London in 2002, where he worked in general and property litigation.  “I did learn a lot – it was another perspective,” he says.  Making a lifestyle choice, Aaron and his wife, Amanda, returned to New Zealand in December 2003.

A self-confessed “sports fanatic”, Aaron says Southland provides the perfect playground to actively pursue his sporting passion and his latest recreational pursuit – flyfishing.

Articles and Updates

Jono in professional corporate attire with his hands in his pockets, standing outside with landscape behind
Welcome to the Partnership Jono Cole!
Harry with arms cross with trees and blue sky in background
Welcome to the Team Harry Croy
Aerial image of subdivision
The Subdivision Process
AWS Headshot Tori Brown
Welcome to the team Tori Brown
Photo of a young couple holding up a house shaped key ring with a key on it
From Dreaming to Buying: Your Fast-Track Guide with our Quick Checklist
Photo of Jessica Yeo outside of the Courthouse in Invercargill
Celebrating a Milestone: Jessica Yeo Admitted to the Bar
New Zealand passport and Europe map stock photo
Recent Changes to the Skilled Migrant Resident Visa and Accredited Employer Work Visa Categories
But we’re friends, we don’t need a Shareholder Agreement
Photo of Eugene Roud
Welcome to Partnership Tim, Jenny and Eugene!
Photo of Chantal Ryan
Important Immigration Updates for Employers: What you need to know

Find Us

admin@awslegal.co.nz
80 Don Street, Invercargill
PO Box 1207, Invercargill 9840
Queenstown.Reception@awslegal.co.nz
Level 2, The Forge, Athol Street, Queenstown
PO Box 1322, Queenstown, 9348
Alexandra.Reception@awslegal.co.nz
Level 1, 77 Centennial Avenue, Alexandra, 9340
PO Box 268 Alexandra 9320
admin@awslegal.co.nz
270 Great North Road, Winton 9720
PO Box 14 Winton 9741
admin@awslegal.co.nz
11 Bowler Avenue, Gore 9710
admin@awslegal.co.nz
112 Town Centre, Te Anau 9600

Contact AWS Legal

Name(Required)
Please let us know what's on your mind. Have a question for us? Ask away.