About Godfreys Law | Godfreys Law Firm

We’ve proudly been helping Cantabrians like you for almost 150 years.

Our aim is to make your life easier.

We’re real people, providing real legal solutions.

You might have seen our building as you drive down Moorhouse Ave, opposite the Ara Polytech buildings. Just off Washington Way, you will find plenty of parking, making it easy to come in and speak with us.

If access up the stairs is an issue, please let us know. We can use one of the meeting rooms on the ground floor.

How can we help you? Godfreys Law can represent you personally, or your business, to find the best solution for you.

Our Community

We love Christchurch, and believe in doing our bit to make this city a great place to live. Outside of our regular day jobs, the team at Godfreys Law fundraise and offer services and advice to worthy community organisations, including;

Community Law, because everyone should have fair access to representation in our justice system.

Citizens Advice Bureau, because everyone should have the confidence and support they need to get a fair outcome.

The Life Education Trust Canterbury, because all children should be empowered to live full and healthy lives.

Korowai Youth and Well Being Trust, helping young adults get access to medical and counseling services when they most need it.

Nurse Maude, because Cantabrians should be able to live out their days with dignity.

We’re proud to support these fantastic organisations, as we make Christchurch and Canterbury a better place to live.

Real people. Real solutions.

Our History

The firm was founded in about 1870, by a sole practitioner called Henry Slater. Slater was later joined in partnership by his son. In following years other partners included Williams, Frank Sargent, Frederick Dale, John Connal and John Holmes, who were all well known men in Christchurch in their day.

In 1950 Doug Godfrey joined the firm, which then became known as Sargent Connal Holmes & Godfrey. Doug Godfrey was joined by his brother Robert in 1960, and by Barry McNeil in 1969. Robert Godfrey went on to become a magistrate in Sydney.

Glenn Duncraft joined the firm in 1978, Jerald French in 1980, and Philip Sewell in 1986, taking over Doug Godfrey's practice. Brad McDonald became a partner in 2008, and Jerald retired at the end of 2009. During this time the firm was known as Godfrey Duncraft and French, and now of course simply as Godfreys Law.

For many years the firm was located in premises in Hereford Street and in 1964, we moved to Armagh Court. Sadly we were forced to leave our badly damaged building in Armagh Court as a result of the February 22 Canterbury Earthquakes.

You can now find Godfreys Law on Washington Way, just off Moorhouse Avenue.

Because we are a well established law firm with a long history in Christchurch, we have connections with many Canterbury families and businesses. We can track some of our clients back three generations.

To learn more about the team that makes up Godfreys Law today, click here.