Providing Certainty Since 1883: The 140-Year Legacy of Weston Ward & Lascelles

*An artist’s impression of our founding era in 1883 Christchurch

In an era where "digital-first" firms often lack physical roots, longevity remains the ultimate mark of legal quality. Since 1883, Weston Ward & Lascelles (WWL) has stood as a pillar of the Christchurch community. While our offices have transitioned to a modern, easily accessed Riccarton office, our DNA remains firmly rooted in the values of "Heavyweight Advocacy" and "Providing Certainty" established over a century ago.

To understand the WWL of 2026, one must look back to the Victorian era of Christchurch, when the firm’s foundations were laid by some of New Zealand’s most distinguished legal and civic minds.

The Vision of Thomas Shailer Weston (1883–1902)

The story of the firm began in 1883. Thomas Shailer Weston (1837–1912) was already a formidable figure in New Zealand when he opened his practice in Christchurch. Having served as a District Judge in Napier and as a Member of Parliament, Weston brought a "Heavyweight" reputation to the local bar from day one.

His practice wasn't just about paperwork; it was about public service. As a politician and a judge, Thomas understood that the law was the framework upon which a growing city like Christchurch was built. His commitment to the legal profession was a family affair, with his brother Henry and his son George eventually joining the ranks, ensuring that the "Weston" name became synonymous with legal integrity in the Canterbury region. By 1902, Thomas’s expertise was so widely recognised that he was moved to New Plymouth to serve as Crown Prosecutor, leaving a thriving legacy behind in Christchurch.

Resilience Through World War I: The George Weston Era

The firm of T S Weston & Son continued under the care of his son, George Thorngate Weston (1876–1957). George oversaw the firm’s transition into the 20th century, a time of immense growth and equally immense challenge for New Zealand.

The greatest test of the firm’s resilience came in 1914. When World War I broke out, George answered the call to service, serving overseas from 1916 until 1919. During his absence, the firm did not falter. It was kept alive and thriving by Robert Beecher Ward (1880–1929), who had joined in 1905 as a solicitor manager.

This period established a core WWL value that we still hold today: Continuity. When George returned from the front in 1919, the bond between the two men resulted in a formal partnership, and the name of the firm changed to Weston & Ward.

The "Colonel" and the Final Name: 1921–1945

The final piece of the brand’s namesake puzzle arrived in 1921. William Ross Lascelles (1895–1985) had served as an officer alongside George Weston in France. Their shared experiences on the battlefield forged a level of trust that translated perfectly into the boardroom.

With Ross’s admission to the partnership, the name Weston Ward & Lascelles was born—a name that has remained unchanged for over 100 years. Ross Lascelles’ story is one of ultimate leadership. He returned to the Army during World War II, serving as a Colonel and a Battalion Commander in the Canterbury Regiment. This history of high-stakes leadership is reflected in our modern approach to advocacy: strategic, disciplined, and unwavering.

A Century of Legal "Successes"

The achievements of these three named ancestors set a standard of distinguished service that has continued for 140 years. In the history of the firm, many distinguished lawyers have worked under our banner, with a good number going on to serve as Judges and King’s Counsel (KC).

One of the most remarkable statistics in the New Zealand legal profession is the combined practice span of Thomas and his son George—together, they covered a span of 96 years of legal practice. This intergenerational knowledge is why we are uniquely positioned to handle complex Trusts and Estates today; we aren't just practising the law, we helped shape the history of asset protection in Canterbury.

The Modern Era: Leading with Certainty in Riccarton

While we honour our history, WWL is a firm that looks forward. From navigating the complexities of the 2011 Earthquakes to the digital transformation of the 2020s, we have consistently adapted to meet the needs of "Everyday People."

Our move to 1/10 Leslie Hills Drive, Riccarton marked the beginning of a new chapter. By moving out of the CBD, we have doubed down on our commitment to accessibility. We understand that our clients lead busy lives, and providing easy parking and a central suburban location is part of our "no-nonsense" approach to legal service.

Today, our directors—Rosa Bellolio Roth, David Houston, and Kristy O'Connor—lead a team of 23 professionals who embody the same spirit as our founders.

• Rosa Bellolio Roth continues the tradition of heavyweight advocacy, specifically within Family Law and international legal matters.

• David Houston, who became a partner in 1995, heads our Property and Business teams, bringing that essential "common-sense" perspective to commercial transactions.

• Kristy O'Connor with over 40 years experience, provides the expert guidance required for Relationship Property and complex Family Law disputes, ensuring that even the most difficult separations are handled with certainty.

Why 140 Years of History Matters to You

In 2026, when you search for "Lawyers Christchurch," you are faced with dozens of options. So, why choose a firm with a 140-year history?

• Tested Integrity: We have navigated every economic shift and social change in Canterbury's history. We aren't a "start-up"; we are an institution.

• Specialist Knowledge: Our history in Elder Law and Succession Planning means we have seen how Wills and Trusts play out over decades, not just years.

• Heavyweight Results: You don't survive for 140 years without being exceptional at what you do. Our recent successes—including securing $1M+ settlements for clients who were told they were entitled to nothing—prove that the "Weston, Ward, and Lascelles" spirit of advocacy is stronger than ever.

Certainty for the Next Generation

The commitment to service and quality continues. As we look toward the next 140 years, our mission remains unchanged: to provide frank, practical legal advice that provides certainty for our clients.

From Thomas Shailer Weston’s first office to our new Riccarton legal office, Weston Ward & Lascelles remains your heavyweight advocate in Christchurch.