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.
Born and raised in Auckland. Graduated from the University of Auckland with a conjoint degree in Bachelor of Law and Arts. Worked in criminal law then general practice firms in South and East Auckland before joining Websterlaw. Kevita can move stealthily between offices without making a sound until a soft knock registers that there is a request of some sort. In spare time, enjoys baking, spending time with family and friends and visiting beaches.
Denise joined Websterlaw's practice in 2017 from Langdon & Co, on the merger of the 2 firms. She qualified as a Legal Executive after completing her Diploma in 2016. Denise works with Websterlaw's conveyancing and trust portfolios and is closely involved in all the files handled by the firm.
Julie joined Websterlaw in 2024 and is an experienced legal executive, having qualified in 1998, and carrying out further legal studies through Waikato University, graduating in 2006.
Julie has extensive private client experience, having worked in small, medium and large practices, gaining a thorough understanding of all manner of residential, commercial and property development transactions.
It will usually be Dayle's voice you will hear whenever you ring us here at Websterlaw. Dayle joined us in July 2017. Dayle is familiar with all our files and will direct you to the person handling the one you are interested in. Dayle is the hub around which the firm works, doing secretarial work as required for the staff and administrative tasks that keep the firm moving.
Peter's former firm Langdon & Co, operated for thirty years in Takapuna. With a view for future retirement and a wish to continue to serve his clients' best interests, Peter merged Langdon & Co with Websterlaw in October 2017, bringing his legal executive Denise Roux, with him. Peter continues to work at Websterlaw, mainly with his client portfolio, as a consultant.
All of Peter's deeds have been incorporated with the deeds at Websterlaw.
Pratt & Co was another long serving Takapuna law firm with a loyal clientele. Tiena merged her firm, Pratt & Co, with Websterlaw in May 2015. Tiena continues to work at Websterlaw assisting her former clients as a consultant and enjoys the flexibility working part time gives her. All Tiena's deeds have also been incorporated with the deeds at Websterlaw.
Lori joined Websterlaw in 2015. Lori holds the important and valued role of Trust Account Administrator and is responsible for ensuring the Trust Account is up to date. Lori keeps all staff (and sometimes clients) in-line in her own special way.
