Howick, 1970.
Who we are
Since 1970 James Donovan Solicitors has worked with the Howick, Botany, Beachlands and surrounding communities to grow businesses and help families prosper. James originally located to Howick with his wife, Marie (subsequently the Principal of Botany Downs Primary) because of her family connections here. His first office was in lower Picton Street, the firm later moved to its current location - the salubrious heights of upper Picton Street.
A long-serving member of the local Rotary, Honorary Solicitor to St Johns, and valued legal advisor to many in the Howick community, James has now transitioned into a consultancy role as Senior Solicitor and Principal; his daughter Michelle – who has worked as a Solicitor in the practice since 2016 – has taken on the day-to-day management of the firm.
Michelle builds on the the firm’s existing strengths in elder law, conveyencing, property law, trusts, and estates by bringing expertise in family law, particularly relationship property. Michelle oversaw the rejuvenation of the offices, completing a major renovation in late 2023. “We’re a multi-generational law firm”, says Michelle, “We have worked with the grandparents and parents of many of our clients, helping them structure their affairs through all stages of life.”
As Howick and the wider area has evolved, so has the practice. Our registered Legal Executive Vanessa Martin works alongside Andrew Hou (fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese) who has recently joined as a Solictor working in conveyancing, immigration, employment, and commercial law. Andrew’s legal skills are complemented by his 10 years of accountancy experience as a CPA.
Advice on structuring your business and family assets is an enduring strength of the practice - creating trusts that can flex with changes in your life, and which minimise risk. Advising older clients and their families is another area of expertise – ensuring families are well-protected and prepared for life’s changes.
After fifty years serving the legal needs of the wider Howick/Botany area, and with a substantial new branch in Blackhawk Law in Pukekohe, James Donovan Solicitors are well positioned to continue helping their communities to grow and flourish through the next fifty years.
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Our People
Principal lawyer
James Donovan
Experience is irreplaceable. James has been successfully representing clients in the wider Howick area for decades. He is a specialist in conveyancing, commercial and trust matters as well as in family and property law. James’ longstanding relationships with other professionals in the area often leads to elegant solutions to complex problems, and his experience and skills as a barrister place you in assured hands in regards to criminal proceedings. James can also provide sage guidance on mortgages, investment, and taxation, and has developed a rich history in dealing with wills and estates – as well as elder law and retirement issues. James’ wealth of experience means he can quickly define the most effective path to resolution, saving you time and expense, and providing peace of mind.
Contact
09 534 7169
info@jamesdonovan.co.nz
SENIOR Lawyer, HOWICK/PUKEKOHE officeS
Michelle Donovan
Before joining the firm Michelle worked for many years in the Privacy Commissioner’s office as the Legal Officer for two consecutive Commissioners, and for nearly 10 years as an independent reviewer of ACC decisions. She brings this highly specialised knowledge and expertise to all general civil litigation cases. Building on James’ existing expertise in the area of family and property law, Michelle also deals with family law and relationship property matters, including the drafting and certification of living together and separation agreements - as well as litigating for clients in this area. Michelle notes that: “Identifying the most practical and cost effective solution for a client is the key to providing them with the best legal service."
Contact
09 534 7169
info@jamesdonovan.co.nz
Professional Staff
Both James and Michelle are supported by highly experienced and effective staff:
Vanessa Martin
LEGAL EXECUTIVE
09 534 7169
vanessa@jamesdonovan.co.nz
Grace Wang
TRUST ACCOUNT ADMINISTRATOR AND LEGAL EXECUTIVE - Speaks Mandarin
09 534 7169
accounts@jamesdonovan.co.nz