About Us

Who are I.R Thompson?

With more than 40 years combined experience providing employment law advice, I R Thompson Associates are the experts when it comes to advising employees and employers on employment law problems in Christchurch. IR Employment Law gives advice on unfair dismissals and other complex issues.

We provide small and medium sized businesses and employees with a professional service in the field of employment law and general human resources. Our team of professional advisors have many years’ experience in providing employment law advice, representing employers and employees in mediation, the Employment Relations Authority, and Employment Court. If you have been unfairly dismissed call us first.

In relation to fees we can discuss all option available to you. We have finance options available and provide legal aid. We do understand the personal toll that having a bad relationship with your employer or employee can have on you and we are prepared to provide whatever assistance we can to ease that burden. Many lawyers and employment lawyers don’t understand the agony of losing your job. I R Thompson employment law will understand your issues and will treat them confidentially and privately.

You do need to ask yourself the important question, will my lawyer have the complete knowledge and understanding that you need. We will understand and as a family business you can count on us. If you are an employee or an employer we will go that extra mile to help you out. For employees your first consultation is free to consider the legal aspects of your case.

We are also a long-standing member of The Employment Law Institute of New Zealand. The Employment Law Institute of New Zealand Inc was founded in 1995 by a group of like-minded individuals, including retired judges, barristers, solicitors, employment law- and industrial relations- consultants, and employment law advocates.

ELINZ’s guiding principle is to promote and enhance professional standards of employment law advocacy. ELINZ members are bound by the ELINZ Code of Conduct and aspire to best practice standards. ELINZ Code of Conduct – ELINZ – The Employment Law Institute of NZ

Because we are Members of ELINZ, this should fill you with confidence that you are using professionals that are covered by a code of conduct to ensure up-to-date knowledge and professionalism.

We look forward to helping you in the future.

Robert Thompson (Owner)

Google Reviews

Google
Teague Kruger profile picture
Teague Kruger
24 August 2026
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I highly recommend Jacob at IR Thompson. He was consistently professional, efficient, informative and compassionate, and was generous with both his time and advice. During an incredibly stressful period, Jacob provided calm, reassuring guidance and a clear plan, following through every step of the way. I am extremely grateful for his expertise and support, and would have no hesitation recommending his services to others. Thank you Jacob!
Google
Rosie Fisher profile picture
Rosie Fisher
22 July 2026
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Jacob did a terrific job of putting my case forward to my ex employer and their lawyer and when the settlement payment was delayed he kept following up until it was all finalised. Great effort! Thanks Jacob
Google
Vern Bailey profile picture
Vern Bailey
29 June 2026
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
A very positive outcome. Found Graeme most helpful and clearly knowledgeable, as he guided us through the process.
Google
Jamie Giddens profile picture
Jamie Giddens
29 June 2026
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Jacob was absolutely brilliant. He made the process so smooth, easy and professional. For such a difficult time in my life, he made it seamless. Don’t go anywhere else!
Google
Eduardo Santos profile picture
Eduardo Santos
18 June 2026
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I am very grateful to Graeme for his guidance and support. He was honest, professional, and easy to talk to, taking the time to explain everything clearly and helping me through a challenging situation. I highly recommend Graeme and the team at I. R. Thompson Associates to anyone needing trustworthy legal advice.
Google
Brian Gibson profile picture
Brian Gibson
20 March 2026
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I can't recommend Jacob highly enough! He provided exceptional support during a challenging time. Jacob was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly compassionate. His guidance made a significant difference, and I am truly grateful for his help.
Google
Ronnie Holt profile picture
Ronnie Holt
12 March 2026
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Have worked with Graeme and Robert over the past 5 years, good helpful team that would recommend to anyone.
Google
Jon profile picture
Jon
11 March 2026
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Fantastic company and people. Got me the result l wanted. Would highly recommend.
Google
Gemma Devlin profile picture
Gemma Devlin
3 February 2026
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I can’t recommend Jacob highly enough. He acted as my employment lawyer and resolved a dispute for me very promptly and efficiently. From start to finish, he was professional, knowledgeable, and clear in his advice, which made a stressful situation much easier to deal with. The matter was handled quickly and effectively, and I was extremely happy with the service and the outcome. Thank you, Jacob.
Google
Karyn Gibson profile picture
Karyn Gibson
29 November 2025
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Recently I had Chrissie act on my behalf and I can’t speak highly enough of her. She was amazing, very professional but she also has a great personality and we had a lot of laughs. Most importantly she achieved a favourable outcome so many thanks Chrissie.
Google
Jeremy Goddin profile picture
Jeremy Goddin
16 November 2025
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Highly recommended. Experienced, pragmatic, quick, fair. Excellent support.
Google
Anthony Bloxham profile picture
Anthony Bloxham
23 October 2025
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The team at IR Thompson are principled, pragmatic professionals who have out performed our expectations in anything to do with employment law. I have no hesitation in recommending them. Keep up the good work Graeme.
Google
Bert Hamilton profile picture
Bert Hamilton
8 October 2025
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The team at I R Thompson have been (and still are!) excellent for our business. We could not have got to were we are without them! thanks team!
Google
Charlise profile picture
Charlise
16 September 2025
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Awesome to deal with fast and super nice to talk to over the phone thank you heaps 😁
Google
The Broken Movement Trust profile picture
The Broken Movement Trust
12 August 2025
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We are incredibly grateful to IR Thompson Associates Limited, and in particular our Legal Representative, Graeme Nelson, for his outstanding service. Graeme provided professional, personalised, and compassionate advice, support and guidance. His personable approach and genuine support for our organisation’s mission and vision made a challenging situation much easier to navigate. Throughout the process, he maintained exceptional communication, ensuring we were informed, reassured, and confident every step of the way. Graeme’s professionalism, empathy, and dedication turned what could have been a stressful situation into a constructive and positive resolution. We wholeheartedly recommend his services to any organisation or person seeking legal representation who is not only highly skilled but also genuinely cares about the people and the cause. Thanks Graeme and Team!