The families of the men killed in the Pike River mine have chosen a Greymouth law firm to represent them at the royal commission of inquiry.
The commission is expected to start early in the New Year, investigating what caused the fatal explosions in the mine a month ago.
The committee representing the miners' families has engaged Hannan Seddon Law to act for them.
A spokesperson for the families, Bernie Monk, says they need to be independently represented so the full truth comes out, however complex and difficult the process.
Mr Monk has reiterated a call for the commission's entire hearings to be held in Greymouth so families can participate fully and hear first-hand all the evidence presented.
