09 623 3344
We provide legal advice and representation to clients needing help with all New Zealand immigration and citizenship issues. We specialize in Resident Visas, Appeals, Deportation hearings, complaints, as well as Work Visas, Visitor Visas and Student Visas.
"We are possibly the largest specialist Immigration law firm in New Zealand.
We have a combination of experience and specialist training to help with any New Zealand Immigration issues."
About us
We are a specialist Immigration Law firm, based in Auckland, New Zealand.
As lawyers, we have training and expertise in the laws, policies, rules and regulations relating to New Zealand Immigration. Our team of specialised Immigration Lawyers have a high level of expertise that only comes from working exclusively with New Zealand Immigration Law. With experience from 1996 in all aspects of Immigration Law, founder of the firm, Mr Alastair McClymont, has the skill and expertise to oversee all the work undertaken by the firm.
AUCKLAND OFFICE
Our team
All of our lawyers have had their legal training in New Zealand or overseas universities that teach in the English medium. Our staff speaks fluent English, Hindi, Punjabi, Mandarin, and Sinhala. We also have regular access to interpreters in Thai, and Vietnamese.
Alastair McClymont
Alastair McClymont has experience in Immigration Law since 1997. He began work in Auckland as a lawyer in 1996 for a large litigation and immigration law firm. By 2000 Alastair was specialising solely in immigration work including refugee applications and appeals and appearance on immigration reviews in the New Zealand High Court and Court of Appeal. Alastair set up his own firm in 2001 under the name Monk and McClymont, a two lawyer firm based in central Auckland concentrating solely on immigration. In 2005 Alastair began working on his own as a barrister and solicitor continuing to concentrate solely on immigration work. Since 2005 the firm has expanded and now operates under the name McClymont and Associates. In what spare time Alastair can get he enjoys sailing, mountain biking, travel and spending time with his wife and young children.
Aakanksha McClymont
Aakanksha McClymont has been working with Alastair in this firm for more than 10 years. Originally from Chandigarh in India she graduated with a BA in Psychology but is most proud of her Master's degree in Common Sense. Aakanksha is the point of contact for most clients of the firm looking out for their best interests, helping them navigate the difficulties of the immigration process and managing the workload of the lawyers and admin staff working on the files. Aakanksha loves being busy and when not running the office she loves travel, socialising, exercising, friends and family.
Ritvik Roop
Ritvik, an Immigration Law specialist, combines a multidisciplinary education from the University of Waikato in Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts – Majoring in History with extensive experience in navigating diverse immigration matters. Proficient in temporary visa applications, Section 61 applications, PPI responses, and IPT appeals, Ritvik's analytical prowess ensures tailored solutions for each client, aiming for optimal outcomes in every case."
Shazia Gill
An indispensable member of McClymont and Associates since 2013, Shazia brings invaluable expertise to our immigration practice, providing crucial support to our legal team. Her deep understanding of the Indian community is a remarkable asset. For expert guidance and unwavering support, Shazia is your go-to resource. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, she ensures seamless communication tailored to your comfort.
Lydia Li
With 7 years of experience in the legal sector, Lydia Li is a dedicated expert in immigration matters. Residing in New Zealand for two decades, she has made this beautiful country her home. Lydia holds a bachelor degree from the University of Auckland and is currently working towards her LLB degree. Her journey also includes a decade of valuable experience in large corporations, during which she cultivated strong customer relationships.
Lydia's exceptional expertise shines through her impressive track record of successfully handling complex cases, such as s61, ministerial directions, and exceptions in immigration instructions. Her profound understanding of immigration policy, combined with her proficiency in Mandarin, English, and Cantonese, empowers her to effectively assist clients from diverse backgrounds. You can reach her at lydia@amlaw.co.nz
Why consult with us?
We are possibly the largest specialist Immigration law firm in New Zealand. We have a combination of experience and specialist training to help with any New Zealand Immigration issues.
Why use an Immigration Lawyer?
Our specialty is in the more difficult immigration cases, including appeals to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal, Ministerial requests, complaints on applications at managerial level of Immigration New Zealand, complaints to other bodies including Office of the Ombudsman and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner, reconsiderations and appeals on declined visas of any type.
While many licensed Immigration Advisers also provide quality advice, many of them unfortunately have very limited training, experience or English language skills. As trained lawyers, we have expertise in Administrative Law and a wealth of experience in Immigration Law. We are capable of tackling any problems that might occur during any Immigration application or appeal.
By law, New Zealand lawyers are exempt from registration with IAA (Immigration Advisers Authority) and can give immigration advice without a licence. Refer to IAA link "Who is exempt?"
The advantage of instructing McClymont and Associates to act on your behalf therefore can be summarised as follows:
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The firm has a total combined experience of more over 30 years in immigration law. The lawyers are New Zealand trained with law degrees and are all native English speakers. With professionals taking care of your visa application, you can invest more time and energy to your life and work.
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Immigration work is all about law rules and regulations. These are taught in law schools and lawyers are required to properly analyse and argue immigration cases. In order to become a licensed Immigration Adviser, a much lower level of experience and training is required. Many Immigration Advisers have a poor understanding of English, have no legal training and have very little experience. Whilst many advisers are able to lodge simple applications, the arguing of complex legal issues in appeals and declines is an area which should be left exclusively for lawyers.
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Your interest is protected. McClymont and Associates operates a Trust Account which is regularly monitored and audited by the New Zealand Law Society. All money paid into the Trust Account must be receipted and accounted for and billed only upon completion of the work required. Clients are entitled to access the information regarding payment of funds, disbursements and billing at any time. Any complaints regarding our services can be made directly to the New Zealand Law Society who is obliged by law to investigate and make a decision on the complaint. The New Zealand Law Society have the power to enforce a refund of fees, impose a monetary penalty or even the cancellation of a Practicing Certificate if it is found that we have breached rules regarding code of conduct for lawyers.
You can search for information of our lawyers at the New Zealand Law Society website
Legal fees
Our legal fees are usually fact specific and will be dependent on your personal circumstances.