Rosa Bellolio Roth: Leading the Future of Weston Ward & Lascelles

18 April 2024

Weston Ward & Lascelles, a law firm with a storied history spanning 140 years in Christchurch, is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in its leadership evolution. Rosa Bellolio Roth, previously a senior associate and a vital member of the litigation team, has been promoted to Director, marking a new chapter in the firm’s legacy.


Rosa’s journey with Weston Ward & Lascelles has been marked by dedication, expertise, and a deep commitment to justice, particularly within the realm of family law. Her promotion comes at a pivotal time as the current partners, seasoned veterans nearing retirement, are passing the torch to ensure the firm’s continued growth and excellence.


In her new role, Rosa will maintain her influential position within the litigation team while embracing increased responsibilities. This transition is part of a strategic plan, with one of the current partners beginning to scale back her hours to mentor Rosa in taking the helm of the litigation team.


Rosa's vision extends beyond maintaining the status quo. She is committed to expanding the business, with a special focus on strengthening the family law team. This initiative has already seen the addition of a new PA and a law graduate, with plans to welcome a junior solicitor in early 2024, reinforcing the team’s capacity to deliver top-tier legal advice and access to justice for their clients.



Rosa Bellolio Roth | Director | Weston Ward & Lascelles

As a director, Rosa will also rotate as the partner in charge of various critical operational areas, including AML (Anti-Money Laundering), HR (Human Resources), complaint resolutions, and eventually, trust account supervision. Her involvement in these areas signifies a broader engagement in the firm’s leadership and decision-making processes.


What sets Rosa apart is not just her legal acumen but her forward-thinking approach to law practice. Being younger than the current partners, she brings a fresh perspective to the table, with an openness to incorporating new technologies and ideas that can enhance the firm’s efficiency and service delivery.


Rosa's aspiration to develop a larger family law team is rooted in a commitment to providing exceptional legal advice and ensuring access to justice for all clients. Her leadership marks a significant step forward for Weston Ward & Lascelles, promising a future that respects the firm’s rich heritage while embracing the innovations and challenges of the modern legal landscape.


Please join us in congratulating Rosa on her well-deserved promotion. Her vision and leadership are not only a testament to her personal dedication and skill but also signal a bright future for Weston Ward & Lascelles as it continues to serve the Christchurch community with integrity and excellence.



A model house sitting on top of a wooden table next to stacks of coins.

What happens to your deposit when buying property?

24 July 2025
Buying a property is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll make in your lifetime. Whether you're a first home buyer in Christchurch or an experienced investor, understanding the conveyancing process is crucial for protecting your interests and ensuring a smooth transaction. Weston Ward and Lascelles’ Christchurch property lawyers have guided countless clients through the complexities of buying and selling property, but one area of the process is typically misunderstood by clients, and that is what happens to your deposit when you are buying a property. It’s an important aspect of property conveyancing, so this article is to fill in any gaps and help you navigate this element of the transaction. Understanding property deposits in New Zealand A deposit is an initial payment made by the buyer to the seller and represents a proportion of the total of the purchase price. The deposit is usually payable on the purchaser confirming that all conditions inserted in the contract for the benefit of the purchaser have been satisfied i.e. the deposit is usually payable when the contract goes unconditional. But note auctions are different. If you have bought a property at auction the deposit must be paid immediately upon winning the auction, as typically auctions are unconditional on the fall of the hammer. If you do not pay the deposit immediately after winning an auction, the vendor would immediately be entitled to cancel. But if you did not pay the deposit on a property (not purchased at auction) immediately after you confirmed that all conditions inserted in the contract for your benefit have been satisfied, this would not usually entitle the vendor to immediately cancel the contract. The vendor would first have to serve notice on you requiring you to pay the deposit within 3 working days or else! A deposit serves as assurance for the vendor that the purchaser is serious about completing the transaction and offers financial protection to the vendor if the buyer defaults. For purchasers, it demonstrates good faith and secures their right to complete the property purchase under the agreed terms of the Sale and Purchase Agreement. 
A little boy is sitting on a man 's shoulders and pointing.

Separated parents: taking children overseas for holidays — do you need the other parent's permission?

15 July 2025
Planning an overseas holiday with your child after separation? Learn if you need the other parent’s permission and avoid legal issues when travelling.