Gerry Brownlee has ruffled legal feathers with his comments on Christchurch lawyers representing claimants against the Earthquake Commission.

Responding to a question in Parliament yesterday on the latest settlement between an action group and EQC, the Regeneration Minister caused quite a stir with his words.

"Actually everything the law firm wanted, everything the claimants were trying to achieve could actually be found on the EQC website.

"The member needs to stop encouraging these ambulance-chasers who are unreasonably taking money off people when there is no benefit to them."

Labelling them not once but twice as 'ambulance-chasers', Gerry Brownlee was responding to a question from Labour's Canterbury spokesperson Meagan Woods over the re-scope of poor repair work.

Ms Woods has since labelled Mr Brownlee as out of touch and out of line - she said the comments are simply not on.

"If anyone dares to question him, he lashes out with abuse. This is not acceptable. Every day Christchurch people are being forced to go to lawyers or go to court to try and get a fair settlement from EQC."

The comment was directed at Anthony Harper partner Peter Woods, who led the most recent group settlement settlement with EQC.

Lane Neave partner Duncan Webb said it's appalling.

"I've been there with him late at night in drafty halls, public meetings helping people, giving them free advice, and he's really one of the good guys," he said.

"Most inaccurate to label him as an ambulance-chaser. Very sad."