Addington Law is a Christchurch-based law firm with a proud history of serving the people of Christchurch and Canterbury for more than 20 years. Led by principal solicitor Nick Leeming — a third-generation lawyer with more than 30 years of experience — the firm delivers outstanding legal services to small businesses, families, couples, and individuals. Nick established the Addington office in 1997 after seven years working across various Christchurch firms. He holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Canterbury and comes from a distinguished legal family: his grandfather, uncle, and cousin have all practised law.
The firm's commitment to consistent, high-quality service has built long-standing, trusted client relationships over the decades. Clients have direct contact with the solicitor responsible for their matter, and the team takes genuine pride in ensuring every person fully understands their legal situation and feels comfortable throughout the process. Long-time clients praise Nick's efficiency, approachable manner, and the team's ability to turn complex legal transactions into straightforward — even enjoyable — experiences.
Addington Law covers a comprehensive range of legal services including residential and commercial property transactions, business purchases and sales, trusts and wills, enduring powers of attorney, succession planning, and estate administration. Outside the office, Nick serves as a board member for Badminton Canterbury, and the firm proudly sponsors both Badminton Canterbury and the Indian Ink Theatre Company.
Nestled in the heart of Addington, one of Christchurch's most established suburbs, Addington Law has been quietly championing the causes of Canterbury families, couples, individuals and small businesses for more than two decades. It is the kind of firm where clients stay for years — sometimes for thirty — and where a property transaction feels less like a legal ordeal and more like catching up with someone who genuinely has your back.
The firm operates from 2/292 Lincoln Road, a short drive from Christchurch's central city, and is led by principal solicitor Nick Leeming. Nick was born and raised in Christchurch, studied law at the University of Canterbury, and spent seven years working across several city firms before establishing Addington Law in 1997. He is a third-generation lawyer, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, uncle and cousin — the law is not just a career for Nick, it is something of a family calling.
What sets Addington Law apart is the consistency of its client contact. When you instruct the firm, you deal directly with the solicitor handling your matter — not a rotating cast of clerks or a junior who hands off your file. That approach has earned the firm a loyal following: one client couple, Mike and Maddy, have worked with Nick across the purchase and sale of fourteen homes over thirty years. Another client, from property development company TL Newman Developments, has been with the firm for eight years and credits the team's efficiency, easy manner and good humour with making every transaction smooth.
This reputation for warmth combined with competence is not accidental. Addington Law takes pride in making sure clients understand their legal situation at every step — accessible language, no unnecessary complexity, and a commitment to deadlines that matters especially in property transactions where timing can make or break a deal.
The firm's four core practice areas cover the moments that matter most to Canterbury residents and business owners.
**Property Law** is the firm's busiest stream, covering residential and commercial conveyancing — buying, selling, first homes, investment properties, and leases on both sides of the landlord-tenant relationship. Nick's comprehensive background in conveyancing means the firm handles everything from a first-home buyer's anxious settlement to a seasoned developer's multi-lot transaction.
**Business Law** serves small business owners who need practical guidance on purchasing or selling a business, structuring a company, drafting contracts, or navigating commercial leases and agreements. The advice is grounded in what clients actually want to achieve, not just what the paperwork requires.
**Trusts and Wills** covers the full range of asset protection and succession planning — wills, enduring powers of attorney, trust formation and ongoing administration. The firm understands this is personal territory and approaches it accordingly.
**Estates** handles the administration of a deceased person's estate, including obtaining probate or letters of administration, distributing assets and protecting beneficiaries — taking on the legal burden at what is already a difficult time for families.
Addington Law's connection to Canterbury extends beyond the office. The firm is a proud sponsor of Badminton Canterbury and the Indian Ink Theatre Company, and Nick himself serves as a board member for Badminton Canterbury — a role that reflects both his personal passion for sport and his commitment to the wider Christchurch community. Outside the office, Nick is also known to enjoy golf and rugby, keeping the same energy he brings to client work.