Local law firm offers free advice

Dewhirst Law solicitors Samantha Bills, Megan Christie and Stacey Hyland are offering a free legal clinic as part of La Fiesta. PHOTO/ BEVAN CONLEY

A Whanganui law firm is offering a free legal clinic as part of the La Fiesta festival.

Dewhirst Law ran its first session on Monday and will run two more sessions - next Monday, February 27, and on Monday, March 6, both from 2pm to 5pm.

The clinic offers legal advice about employment, family, property matters and free consultation regarding wills.

Solicitor Samantha Bills said people were often overwhelmed by big legal fees and the free clinic was aimed at helping them get past that and make life a bit easier.

"Giving people that 20 minutes or half an hour can help people get the advice they need," she said.

Ms Bills said seven people made appointments for this week's clinic and there was one booking for next Monday.

"Will consultation seem to be the most popular ... I guess nobody likes getting around to sorting out their will and they think the expense will be too large."

Ms Bills wanted to remind people it could relieve a lot of stress for families and was an important matter.

This is the second year the law firm has run the service and Ms Bills said they aimed to make it an annual event.

Last year around 18 people attended the clinics with a few getting their wills drafted.

"We think its important to empower people, which is what La Fiesta is all about," she said.

*La Fiesta, a celebration of women and community runs until March, 10.