Our Firm

Donald Webster comes from a family of lawyers. His grandfather, Trentham Charles Webster, qualified in law in 1919 and started his own central-Auckland law firm Trentham C. Webster in 1925. In 1954 he was joined in practice by his son, Blair Daniel Webster (Donald’s father) and the firm changed its name to Trentham C. Webster & Webster. Walter Malcolm joined the firm in the early 1960s and in 1967 Gerry Kilpatrick came on board as a partner. Their firm, Webster Malcolm, continues to this day based in Warkworth.

During his law studies Donald worked at Webster Malcolm & Kilpatrick as a law clerk before qualifying and being admitted to the bar in 1980. He then joined a neighboring firm as a junior solicitor. Three years later, Donald established his own practice in a family owned building on Queen Street. The practice moved to its current Takapuna offices in 1995. In 2012 Donald incorporated the firm into a Company and brought on his Senoir Solicitor, Nick Smith as his co-director.

Donald lives in Greenhithe with his wife, Penny, and their four children. In addition to spending time with his family, his interests include yachting, motor racing, skiing and the Japanese language.

Like Donald, Nick’s family has a legal background with both his father and brother practicing in Whangarei. Nick completed his degree and graduated from the University of Otago in 1995. After being admitted to the bar, Nick worked for a large Auckland city firm before heading off on his OE.

In 2002, he returned to Auckland and worked in the commercial and commercial property team of another well-known legal firm. He then moved to a boutique commercial and general practice firm. 
In October 2010 Nick commenced working with Donald and Janis in all areas of the practice.

In 2012, on the incorporation of the firm, Nick joined Donald as a director of the company.

Nick is married to Felicity and they have three children. He spends most of his spare time with his family. However, he occasionally gets to enjoy his other loves – swimming and surfing.

Janis joined Donald’s practice in 2002. She has qualified as a Legal Executive after completing her studies in 2008.

Janis has a long legal background, having worked for a number of law firms. Janis manages Websterlaw's conveyancing and trust portfolios and is closely involved in all the files handled by the firm.