The New Zealand Law Society says people in the earthquake-affected area wanting advice on urgent legal matters should try to contact their own lawyer first, as it appears many law firms have established systems to deal with inquiries.

The Society's Canterbury-Westland branch manager, Malcolm Ellis, says contact with firms in the region has shown that many are in business or have means of communication in place.

The Canterbury-Westland branch office in Christchurch will be open for telephone inquiries from 9:00am on Tuesday 7 September.

Mr Ellis says that it is appreciated that some people will have an urgent need for legal advice and may have been unable to contact their lawyer. This will be the case for property settlements, scheduled court appearances and other matters.

"Until the Canterbury-Westland branch is open tomorrow morning for general business, anyone in the area affected by the earthquake who has an urgent inquiry or concern about legal matters and who has tried to contact their lawyer first, can contact one of three people by phone," he says.

"We must stress that we will not be able to give full legal advice, but will be able to discuss concerns and suggest the next course of action."

The contacts are as follows:

Malcolm Ellis - 027 229 1773 for general inquiries;

Alllister Davis - 027 227 5333 for inquiries related to litigation

Ferne Bradley - 343 5880 or 027 223 4289 for inquiries related to property.