Weston Ward & Lascelles (WWL) is a Christchurch law firm with roots stretching back to 1883, when Thomas Shailer Weston — a former District Judge and Member of Parliament — opened his practice in the heart of the city. Now based in Riccarton, the firm describes itself as a Christchurch institution built on 140 years of 'frank and exceptional legal advice,' with a current team of 23 legal professionals working under the philosophy of 'winning solutions for everyday people.'
The firm's name carries the history of three men who each gave distinguished service to both the legal profession and their community: Thomas Weston and his son George Thorngate Weston together covered 96 years of legal practice in New Zealand; William Ross Lascelles joined the firm in 1921 after serving as an officer alongside George Weston in France during World War I; and while George Weston served overseas from 1916 to 1919, the firm continued under the sole care of Robert Beecher Ward. Ross Lascelles' own commitment to service carried into World War II, where he served as a Colonel and Battalion Commander in the Canterbury Regiment.
Today WWL practices across Family Law, Property Law, Business Law, Trusts & Asset Protection, Wills & Estate Planning, Immigration Law, and Litigation & Court, serving Christchurch, Riccarton, Selwyn, and the wider Canterbury region. The firm is a member of Law Alliance NZ.
Weston Ward & Lascelles has been part of Christchurch's legal landscape since 1883, when Thomas Shailer Weston — a former District Judge and Member of Parliament — opened his practice in the heart of the city. What began as one man's practice has grown, over 140 years, into a firm the community describes as an institution rather than just a law office.
The firm's name reflects three generations of service. Thomas Weston and his son, George Thorngate Weston, together spent 96 years in legal practice in New Zealand. William Ross Lascelles joined the firm in 1921, having served as an officer alongside George Weston in France during the First World War. While George was overseas between 1916 and 1919, the practice continued under the sole care of Robert Beecher Ward. Ross Lascelles' own dedication to service didn't stop with the First World War — he went on to serve as a Colonel and Battalion Commander in the Canterbury Regiment during the Second World War.
That history of service continues under the firm's current directors. David Houston has practiced since the late 1980s and became a partner in 1995. A former Chair of Law Alliance NZ, he's known in Christchurch property and commercial law circles for a pragmatic, head-on approach, with a track record that includes unravelling complex trust structures to secure million-dollar settlements.
Kristy O'Connor joined the firm in 1986 and became WWL's first female partner in 1991. With more than 30 years as a litigator, she leads the firm's Family Law work and has been appointed by the Court to represent children in both the Family Court and the High Court.
Rosa Bellolio Roth brings an international dimension to the practice, having previously served as a Registrar in the New Zealand Family Court. Admitted to practice in Chile in 2006 and in New Zealand in 2013, she specialises in Relationship Property and Care of Children matters, is a court-appointed Lawyer for Child, and works fluently in Spanish with domestic and international clients.
Across the wider team of 23 legal professionals, WWL covers Family Law, Property Law, Business Law, Trusts & Asset Protection, Wills & Estate Planning, Immigration Law, and Litigation & Court.
WWL positions itself around practical, plain-English advice rather than legal jargon, with transparent pricing and a deep understanding of Canterbury-specific issues — from EQC property clauses left over from the region's earthquake recovery to the local business networks that shape commercial work in Christchurch, Riccarton, and Selwyn.
The firm is a member of Law Alliance NZ, and client feedback echoes that practical, personally invested approach. One Google review reads: "I came to Weston Ward & Lascelles for legal help. The help they gave me was extraordinary! Very professional and with a lot of concern throughout my entire process. They guided me well and defended me very well... I recommend their advice 100%."
Weston Ward & Lascelles is based at 1/10 Leslie Hills Drive in Riccarton, Christchurch, and is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm, closed on weekends. The firm also regularly publishes legal insights on topics like retirement downsizing, fiduciary duties, and estate planning clauses, aimed at helping Canterbury families and businesses understand the legal issues they may face.