Auckland, NZPA - People in Christchurch needing legal work have been told it may get done on time but Saturday's earthquake may also cause serious delays.

The New Zealand Law Society said people with urgent legal matters should contact their own lawyer first as many law firms reopened for business, particularly those in suburban Christchurch.

The society's Canterbury-Westland branch manager, Malcolm Ellis, said many firms could be contacted by telephone or email.

He said one property sale was settled today and settlements through the major banks could probably be done at banking centres outside Canterbury.

He said it was fortunate most settlements happened on Friday and it was hoped banks would be able to cope with settlements by then.

The Canterbury-Westland office of the New Zealand Law Society in Christchurch would open for telephone inquiries at 9am tomorrow.

Mr Ellis said lawyers from around the country had offered to help.

"It is appreciated 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."

He said anyone with an urgent legal inquiry who could not contact their own lawyer could call one of three lawyers.

"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 three were: Malcolm Ellis (027 229 1773) for general inquiries; Allister Davis (027 227 5333) for inquiries on litigation; and Ferne Bradley (03 343 5880 or 027 223 4289) for property inquiries.

NZPA