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 at Auckland University Donald worked at Webster Malcolm & Kilpatrick as a law clerk before qualifying and being admitted to the bar in 1980. He then joined a neighbouring 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 Senior Solicitor, Nick Smith as his co-director.  Donald has a wide range of experience in the law, and apart from criminal law, will tackle almost anything.  Over the past few years, Donald has been doing a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Studies at Massey University specalising in Alternative Dispute Resolution, completing the course on June 2020.  Donald regularly appears as advocate for clients at mediations and arbitrations in the employment, family and commercial law areas.  Donald was credentialed by the Arbitrators' and Mediators' Institute of New Zealand ("AMINZ") and is now an associate member of AMINZ.

In December 2017, as the Sole Practitioner Power of Attorney for John Cox of Blomkamp Cox, a local Takapuna firm, Donald had to take over guardianship of the client files and deeds held by the firm following the sudden death of the principal of the firm, John Andrew Reginald Cox.  Former clients of Blomkamp Cox should contact Donald if they need their files or deeds.  Unfortunately, there has been no funding from John's estate for any notification to John Cox's clients.  Donald is currently negotiating with the estate of John Cox for them to revoke his attorneyship, but we can pass on your enquiries to the new firm once appointed.

Donald lives in Greenhithe with his wife, Penny, three cats and a dog.  Their four adult children are never far away. In addition to spending time with his family, Donald's interests include participating in yachting, motor racing, collecting classic cars, skiing and speaking the Japanese language (although it is a bit rusty now!).  Donald is also a registered marriage celebrant.

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 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.