About Us
Hand on heart, every one of our experienced team is here because they love what they do. We feel privileged to be able to spend our days helping people with buying or selling property, crafting custom wills, protecting assets, or using our knowledge and experience to help at stressful times of people’s lives. Using our skills to make a tricky situation easier is truly what gets us out of bed in the mornings.
Our team loves where we work, the community we work in and the work we do – that’s why most of us have been here for 20+ years and have no plans to leave!
” With over 120 years’ combined experience, you can trust the advice we give you.”
We’re a reliable bunch with over 120 years’ experience between us, you can trust the advice we give you. We’re across all the latest laws and guidelines and we always act in the interests of our clients, which is why we’ve built such a solid reputation in the West Auckland community we’ve operated in for over 60 years. It goes without saying that we have great connections in the area, which often proves helpful for our clients. We’re also excellent value if we do say so!
Don’t fear: we may be over half a century old and work from a 1970s building, but our processes, systems, and technology are definitely cutting-edge.
We also like to think we work in a sustainable and socially responsible manner. We prioritise being eco-aware, but without compromising on first rate service.
Our commitment to sustainability includes:
- Reducing paper usage where we can.
- Shopping locally and using local suppliers where possible.
- We are located close to a public transport hub for ease of transport for staff and clients.
- We offer flexible working arrangements for staff to minimise commuting.
- We focus on innovation and adopting new technology to allow staff to harness digital solutions for providing practical legal solutions.
- We encourage a good work-life balance for staff and don’t expect overtime or weekend work.
- We are inclusive and welcome all people.
- We sponsor a number of NZ charities
We’re proud to say we’re the trusted choice of law firm for many families – and we hope you’re next! Please get in touch if you’d like help on any legal matter, or to see if we are the right fit for you. We look forward to meeting you.
Shanahans was New Lynn’s very first law firm, set up by the late Michael (‘Mick’) Shanahan in 1956. Thomas & Co Lawyers the second law firm was set up 10 years later joining Shanahans in providing West Auckland with legal services. Mick Shanahan was a well-known and respected personality in Waitakere. A life member of the Karekare Surf Club, New Lynn Rotary, and the New Lynn Returned Services Association, Mick also represented West Auckland on the Auckland Harbour Board in the 1980s and was elected Chairman of the Board for a number of years. In 2002 his contribution to the community was rewarded with an OBE. Mick’s history includes his service in the RNZAF, achievements in the West Auckland community, and meeting the Queen and Prince Charles.
“In 2002 his contribution to the community was rewarded with an OBE.”
Mick’s daughter Mary Anne Shanahan joined the firm in 1981, becoming a partner in 1988. Following Mick’s death in 2004, Mary Anne took over the practice. She ran the business as a sole practitioner until April 2013 when Frances Edmonds joined her as a Director of the company. Tamsin Reeves also joined as the third director in 2023. Click here to find out more about our current team.