Dr Amir Bastani - Barrister & Solicitor

Specialist Immigration Lawyer | Complex Visa Applications, Appeals and Humanitarian Cases

Dr Amir Bastani is the founder and Principal Solicitor of Legal Wise, a Christchurch-based law firm representing individuals, families and businesses throughout New Zealand. With more than 13 years of legal experience across New Zealand and Iran, Dr Bastani combines extensive legal knowledge, analytical skills and a strong commitment to helping clients navigate complex legal challenges.

Immigration Lawyer

Immigration law is a key area of Dr Bastani's practice. He advises and represents clients across a broad range of New Zealand immigration matter.

His immigration practice includes:

• Investment and Business and Work Visas: Advice and representation for businesses, employers, entrepreneurs and skilled migrants seeking to establish or continue their professional and commercial activities in New Zealand.
• Residence Visa Applications and Declines: Strategic legal advice for residence applications, including cases involving complex eligibility issues, adverse immigration history or declined applications.
• Potentially Prejudicial Information (PPI): Preparing detailed responses to concerns raised by Immigration New Zealand, addressing adverse information and presenting relevant legal arguments and supporting evidence.
• Deportation Liability and Appeals: Representing migrants facing deportation liability and advising on available appeal rights, legal grounds and relevant personal circumstances.
• Humanitarian Appeals: Preparing and presenting compelling cases involving exceptional humanitarian circumstances and family separation.
• Refugee and Protected Person Claims: Advising and representing individuals seeking protection in New Zealand.

Dr Bastani approaches each case on its individual merits, carefully assessing the applicable law, available evidence, procedural requirements and potential legal avenues. His aim is to provide clients with clear advice, realistic assessments and carefully prepared legal submissions tailored to their circumstances.

International Legal Experience and Academic Background

Dr Bastani was first admitted to the legal profession in 2005 and practised law in Iran for approximately five years, including in commercial disputes and international contracts. After moving to New Zealand in 2011, he completed a PhD in Law at the University of Otago in 2015. He subsequently worked in the New Zealand public sector and lectured at the University of Canterbury before being admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in 2020.

In 2023, he established Legal Wise to provide accessible, professional and client-focused legal services.

Dr Bastani also has expertise in Islamic jurisprudence and its intersection with refugee law and human rights. His expertise has been recognised by some New Zealand Courts.