Parr Law Office is a Karori-based law firm that has served the local Wellington community since 1976, when it was established by Shirley Parr. Today the practice is led by solicitor Luke Yiavasis, a full member of the Property Law Section of the New Zealand Law Society, supported by experienced legal secretary Jane Gordon.
The firm describes itself as a small, dedicated team offering confidential, easy-to-understand legal advice across a wide range of matters, from property transactions to estate planning and administration. They pride themselves on being approachable locals who can explain legal issues in plain terms, and where a matter falls outside their expertise they refer clients to a trusted lawyer they know personally.
For clients with mobility issues, the team can visit at home or at a retirement village, and appointments are available outside normal office hours by arrangement. Clients speak of the firm's friendly, professional and reasonably priced service across repeat property purchases and other legal work.
Since 1976, Parr Law Office has been part of the fabric of Karori. Founded by Shirley Parr, the firm was one of the first legal practices to set up in the area, and half a century on it is still providing affordable, accessible legal help to the local community from its office at Karori Mall.
The practice today is led by solicitor Luke Yiavasis, sole principal and a full member of the Property Law Section of the New Zealand Law Society. He works alongside experienced legal secretary Jane Gordon, whose business acumen supports the day-to-day running of the office. Being a small team means clients deal directly with people who know them and their history, rather than being passed between departments.
Parr Law Office covers a broad range of everyday legal needs. Property conveyancing is a core part of the practice — sale and purchase agreements, title searches, mortgage variations and discharges, subdivisions and development projects, and everything involved in moving into a retirement home or refinancing a house.
Estate planning is another key service, covering wills, limited powers of attorney, and enduring powers of attorney relating to both property and personal care and welfare. The team says the goal is to make sure a client's wishes are clearly outlined and legally documented, avoiding misunderstandings later on.
When it comes to estate administration, the firm guides families through probate, collecting assets, paying creditors, and distributing what remains to beneficiaries — handled, as they put it, as smoothly and efficiently as possible during what is often a difficult time.
For clients going through separation, Parr Law Office provides relationship property advice covering the family home, chattels, the car, and other shared assets, aiming to help reach a fair and suitable agreement. More generally, Luke Yiavasis offers confidential, affordable legal advice across a range of issues, with the philosophy that giving clients the right information helps them make informed decisions.
The firm also assists clients dealing with insurance companies, helping negotiate with insurance officers so that a settlement properly covers costs rather than falling short or being denied.
Parr Law Office notes that appointments are available outside normal office hours, and that the team can visit clients at home or at a retirement village where mobility is an issue. If a legal matter falls outside their own expertise, they refer clients on to another lawyer they know and trust, rather than leaving them to find one alone.
Testimonials on the firm's site describe a team that is professional, personable and easy to work with, with one client noting they had used the firm three times over six years for home purchases and would continue to do so. Others describe the service as excellent, friendly, timely and reasonably priced.
The office is at Level 1, Karori Mall, 236-254 Karori Road, Karori, Wellington, open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. Clients can call ahead or fill out the enquiry form on the website to arrange a time to discuss their needs.