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Vanderwerff Shaw Lawyers

5.0(17 reviews)Excellent (100%)
2 team members1 Law Society verified16 practice areas
+64 3 548 9461
level 1/6 Church Street, Nelson 7010, New Zealand
See hours below

Review Summary

Clients consistently praise Andrew Shaw for his exceptional client care, describing him as a strong and confident advocate who provides sound, methodical advice. They highlight his ability to listen carefully, explain complex matters clearly without jargon, and go above and beyond in stressful situations, often achieving better-than-expected outcomes. Many specifically mention his expertise in family law disputes, guardianship matters, and complex estate situations, with multiple reviews noting he was highly recommended by other lawyers.

Generated from 17 Google reviews and NZ Law Society data

Why Choose Vanderwerff Shaw Lawyers?

NZ Law Society Verified

1 lawyer with current practising certificates verified through the New Zealand Law Society register.

Highly Rated

5.0 out of 5 stars based on 17 Google reviews.

Full-Service Firm

Covers 16 practice areas including Family Law, Relationship Property, Care of Children and more.

Published Hours

Open hours listed — check below for daily schedule.

Practice Areas

Family Law
Relationship Property
Care of Children
Trusts and Estates
Commercial Law Disputes
Construction Law
Contract Law
Leases
Liquidations
Debt Collection
Employment Law
Local Government Disputes
Building Act
Resource Management Act (RMA) Prosecutions
Dispute Resolution
Litigation

Our Team

2 team members — 1 verified with the NZ Law Society

Andrew

Lawyer / Litigator

family lawcommercial litigationemployment lawdispute resolution

Andrew Robert Shaw

Barrister & Solicitor

Practising certificate: Current (expires 30/06/2026)
Admitted: Wellington High Court, 03/06/2011
CriminalEmploymentFamilyTrusts and Estates

Client Reviews

5.0
17 total reviewsExcellent (100%)
5 star
31
4 star
0
3 star
0
2 star
0
1 star
0
E
Erin DunlopLocal Guide2 months ago

Andrew came highly recommended to me by two lawyers to resolve a complex Family and Guardianship dispute. I highly recommend Andrew to help resolve any matters pertaining to Family Dispute and Guardianship. Andrew's breadth of experience meant that he had the utmost clarity and confidence in establishing a pathway through our complex dispute. Our court outcome was far better than expected also. Client care is a huge part of Andrew's practice; this makes all the difference when going through such a stressful time. As far as the costs go, the fees are worth their weight in gold, given the difference that it made to our lives. I wish we found Andrew earlier! If I need a lawyer in future for anything, I will be turning to Andrew.

S
Sarah officerLocal Guide7 months ago

I cannot recommend Andrew Shaw highly enough. From the very beginning, they took the time to really listen, explain everything clearly, and keep us informed at every step. What could have been an overwhelming experience felt manageable …

S
Sarah MoonLocal Guide8 months ago

Andrew has a strong local reputation for being a strong and confident advocate for his clients. He is a careful listener, takes care to avoid jargon, and goes above and beyond for his clients (and is one of the few lawyers in Nelson willing …

R
Robert CaversLocal Guide10 months ago

I suddenly and without any warning needed a lawyer in 2020. A close friend recommended Andrew to me and from our first conversation Andrew provided sound, methodical and effective advice. He was available and responsive to my questions and always showed great understanding and respect. I am grateful for his support and highly recommend him.

G
Grant BillcliffLocal GuideEdited 11 months ago

In the NZ Family Court, shockingly orders are put in place based on lies and falsehoods by applicants. Unfortunately, these orders have negative impacts for your children and whanua. If you want someone who can expose lies, manipulation, …

R
Rich NaughtonLocal Guide11 months ago

I had the pleasure of working with Andrew Shaw on a family law case, and what started as a professional relationship has grown into a genuine friendship. Throughout the entire process, Andrew showed an incredible depth of knowledge and always had my best interests at heart. There were moments when I needed a reality check, and he wasn’t afraid to give me the honest truth—something I truly respected and appreciated. It was clear from day one that I was in capable hands. His guidance, support, and straightforward approach helped me navigate a very emotional and difficult time with clarity and confidence. I can’t thank Andrew enough for not only being my legal advocate but also someone I could trust and rely on. Highly recommended.

S
Shayde WagstaffLocal Guide11 months ago

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Andrew over the past five years across multiple legal matters, and I can confidently say he is one of the most reliable and dedicated professionals I’ve encountered. He consistently goes above and …

C
Cliff FellLocal Guide11 months ago

I worked with Andrew Shaw on a complex, highly detailed court case, which required careful research and a very strong presentation in court, and in which ended up with a very successful outcome. He was extremely attentive, sensitive to all considerations and extremely professional and intelligent in court, as well as fun to be with. He was terrific at advising on what was worth pursuing and what to let go of. I can't recommend his work enough. All the. best with the new venture, Andrew! :)

G
Gina WilliamsonLocal Guide11 months ago

I met Andrew Shaw at the end of 2022. I was referred to him by a mutual friend as an excellent lawyer with expertise in all aspects of law. I have always believed that word of mouth is by far the best option when one needs someone …

I
Inga LaneLocal Guide11 months ago

I can highly recommend Andrew Shaw to any potential clients. As I went through legal proceedings to get a financial settlement., his expertise, , integrity and commitment ensured a most satisfactory outcome for me.

M
Mick VeeLocal Guide11 months ago

We engaged Andrew with a complex estate situation and he was nothing but professional, empathetic and acted as our absolute advocate using his expert knowledge to arrive at a suitable resolution and closure.

C
Caroline HarveyLocal Guide11 months ago

Highly recommend Andrew Shaw for any legal matters. He takes time to listen and understand, being genuinely empathetic while having an expert knowledge of the law. He works hard to ensure positive outcomes for his clients and absolutely goes the extra mile. There is no one else I would trust for legal advice.

S
SpozLocal Guide11 months ago

I got introduced to Andrew after being told... 'this has got way too complicated... you need another lawyer'... and like the Lone Ranger, Andrew stepped in and took on my case. Always meticulous and professional, Andrew worked alongside me for more than two years while he kept at bay the consequences of a serious application to bankrupt me. Andrew belived in the injustice, and I belived in him. If you are looking for a hardcore professional who is prepared to take on anything, Andrew is the guy. 10/10.

R
Robin McDonaldLocal Guide11 months ago

Mr Shaw helped me with a deeply distressing matter, despite the hardship I was going through, I knew I could trust him to get the job done. He got 10x better than the outcome sought and I will be forever grateful. I could not recommend a better lawyer!

K
Kylie WilsonLocal Guide11 months ago

In my experience with Andrew, he goes above and beyond to help his clients. He's professional, offers amazing advice and I highly recommend Andrew in his new venture. I'll definitely be following him to his new firm.

C
Claire LittleLocal Guide11 months ago

Andrew Shaw is a very experienced lawyer with a wealth of knowledge. He worked tirelessly for me, and helped me achieve all my goals. I would recommend him for any family law needs.

E
Erin DunlopLocal Guide3 months ago

Andrew came highly recommended to me by two lawyers to resolve a complex Family and Guardianship dispute. I highly recommend Andrew to help resolve any matters pertaining to Family Dispute and Guardianship. Andrew's breadth of experience meant that he had the utmost clarity and confidence in establishing a pathway through our complex dispute. Our court outcome was far better than expected also. Client care is a huge part of Andrew's practice; this makes all the difference when going through such a stressful time. As far as the costs go, the fees are worth their weight in gold, given the difference that it made to our lives. I wish we found Andrew earlier! If I need a lawyer in future for anything, I will be turning to Andrew.

S
Sarah MoonLocal Guide9 months ago

Andrew has a strong local reputation for being a strong and confident advocate for his clients. He is a careful listener, takes care to avoid jargon, and goes above and beyond for his clients (and is one of the few lawyers in Nelson willing to sometimes take calls in evenings and weekends!). I am proud to call Andrew a friend and a professional colleague. Thank you Andrew for your dedication to your clients and the Nelson legal industry.

R
Robert CaversLocal Guide11 months ago

I suddenly and without any warning needed a lawyer in 2020. A close friend recommended Andrew to me and from our first conversation Andrew provided sound, methodical and effective advice. He was available and responsive to my questions and …

G
Grant BillcliffLocal GuideEdited a year ago

In the NZ Family Court, shockingly orders are put in place based on lies and falsehoods by applicants. Unfortunately, these orders have negative impacts for your children and whanua. If you want someone who can expose lies, manipulation, negative gate-keeping and enmeshment then Andrew Shaw someone who can help turn things around positively for you and your children. He is a lawyer who is down to earth, caring, great to deal with and he totally has your back.

R
Rich NaughtonLocal Guidea year ago

I had the pleasure of working with Andrew Shaw on a family law case, and what started as a professional relationship has grown into a genuine friendship. Throughout the entire process, Andrew showed an incredible depth of knowledge and …

S
Shayde WagstaffLocal Guidea year ago

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Andrew over the past five years across multiple legal matters, and I can confidently say he is one of the most reliable and dedicated professionals I’ve encountered. He consistently goes above and beyond to support his clients—not just with his extensive legal knowledge, but with a level of care and attention that’s genuinely reassuring. Each time I’ve worked with Andrew, I’ve felt completely safe and secure, knowing I was in capable hands. He takes the time to ensure I fully understand every step of the process, patiently answering questions and providing clear, thorough guidance. I’ve always been able to rely on him with full confidence, knowing that my case—no matter how complex—is being handled with expertise and integrity. If you're looking for someone who is not only a skilled lawyer but a steadfast ally during what can often be stressful situations, I can’t recommend Andrew highly enough.

C
Cliff FellLocal Guidea year ago

I worked with Andrew Shaw on a complex, highly detailed court case, which required careful research and a very strong presentation in court, and in which ended up with a very successful outcome. He was extremely attentive, sensitive to all …

G
Gina WilliamsonLocal Guidea year ago

I met Andrew Shaw at the end of 2022. I was referred to him by a mutual friend as an excellent lawyer with expertise in all aspects of law. I have always believed that word of mouth is by far the best option when one needs someone exceptional in a professional capacity. I needed assistance urgently and it entailed another eighteen months before my problem was solved. During that time he was always available as there were frequent moments when I would completely lose the plot and require advice and reassurance! Andrew is very good at putting one at ease. He literally wraps you in cotton wool and takes all the worry off your shoulders! However he doesn’t sugarcoat the issues. He outlines the pros and cons and the possibilities moving forward. He spends time explaining what he needs from you so it is paramount he has your absolute trust and confidence at all times to be successful. Team work is essential. Now you want to know about expense? Everyone wants to know how much it is going to hurt! Again Andrew will tell you the truth. He will update regularly regarding costs, make one aware of various ways to act to get the best results. In the end it’s you that has to make the decision and give the instruction but Andrew will do his very best to give you the most favourable outcome and still leave you not feeling fleeced! Seeking a lawyer is a serious business but an excellent lawyer will take you through all the choices, counsel and advise, and keep expenses to a palatable level. Andrew is one of these excellent lawyers! For me my problem was sorted very successfully. I will use him again if I need to without hesitation! I wish him all the best. Thank you Andrew!

I
Inga LaneLocal Guidea year ago

I can highly recommend Andrew Shaw to any potential clients. As I went through legal proceedings to get a financial settlement., his expertise, , integrity and commitment ensured a most satisfactory outcome for me.

M
Mick VeeLocal Guidea year ago

We engaged Andrew with a complex estate situation and he was nothing but professional, empathetic and acted as our absolute advocate using his expert knowledge to arrive at a suitable resolution and closure.

C
Caroline HarveyLocal Guidea year ago

Highly recommend Andrew Shaw for any legal matters. He takes time to listen and understand, being genuinely empathetic while having an expert knowledge of the law. He works hard to ensure positive outcomes for his clients and absolutely goes the extra mile. There is no one else I would trust for legal advice.

S
SpozLocal Guidea year ago

I got introduced to Andrew after being told... 'this has got way too complicated... you need another lawyer'... and like the Lone Ranger, Andrew stepped in and took on my case. Always meticulous and professional, Andrew worked alongside me …

R
Robin McDonaldLocal Guidea year ago

Mr Shaw helped me with a deeply distressing matter, despite the hardship I was going through, I knew I could trust him to get the job done. He got 10x better than the outcome sought and I will be forever grateful. I could not recommend a better lawyer!

K
Kylie WilsonLocal Guidea year ago

In my experience with Andrew, he goes above and beyond to help his clients. He's professional, offers amazing advice and I highly recommend Andrew in his new venture. I'll definitely be following him to his new firm.

C
Claire LittleLocal Guidea year ago

Andrew Shaw is a very experienced lawyer with a wealth of knowledge. He worked tirelessly for me, and helped me achieve all my goals. I would recommend him for any family law needs.

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