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, our Founder, 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.
An Honorary Life 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 Founder role; his daughter Michelle – who has worked as a Solicitor in the practice since 2016 – still proudly flies the Donovan flag within 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 has overseen 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. Senior Associate Ross Sly works alongside Michelle as a solicitor specialising in conveyancing and commercial law. Ross works across both our Howick and Pukekohe offices (Blackhawk Law). Andrew Hou (fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese) has 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. All our solicitors are ably supported by our registered Senior Legal Executive, Vanessa Martin.
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
FOUNDER
James Donovan
James successfully represented clients in the wider Howick area for decades. In 60 years of practice he became 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 led to elegant solutions to complex problems, and his experience and skills as a barrister placed clients in assured hands in regards to criminal proceedings. James also provided sage guidance on mortgages, investment, and taxation, and developed a rich history in dealing with wills and estates – as well as elder law and retirement issues. James, now in a Founder position, has provided a wealth of experience for the firm to draw on, meaning we 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 ASSOCIATE
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’ foundational 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
SENIOR ASSOCIATE, HOWICK/PUKEKOHE officeS
Ross Sly
With over 20 years' experience as a solicitor, Ross offers advice and expertise on a broad range of legal matters including property purchase and sales, business purchase and sales, leasing, general commercial advice, contracts, wills and trusts.
Ross prides himself on being highly pragmatic, flexible and efficient in his approach. He cares deeply for his clients and enjoys helping them navigate important life and/or business decisions. Ross is valued for his ‘straightup’, honest approach and ability to explain the fine-print in easy-to-understand terms. He's a hands-on lawyer and can support you across all aspects of a job.
Ross makes a distinct effort to be highly available to his clients so do not hesitate to call, email or message him at any time. He appreciates that it is often at the weekend or in the evenings that you most need access to advice. Making time for his clients during weekends is not a problem.
Ross works with a network of other experienced professionals including specialist lawyers, accountants, mortgage brokers, real estate agents and surveyors. Where he is unable to assist you directly, advice will likely be found through his network, and through James Donovan Solicitors’ partner law firm, Blackhawk Law in Pukekohe.
Outside of the office Ross enjoys the gym, football and almost anything related to the sea
Contact
Office: 09 534 7169 Mobile: 027 558 3941 (Ross Sly)
ross@jamesdonovan.co.nz
SOLICITOR
Andrew Hou
Graduating cum laude with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and an MBA in Finance, Andrew began his career with one of the “Big Five” CPA firms in the U.S. In this role, he developed profound professional expertise in GAAP and tax laws.
侯律师早年留学于美国，先后获得会计学学士学位 (荣誉)和工商管理硕士金融专业。毕业之初，他就受聘于“5大”会计事务所之一。 会计事务所的严格培训和繁忙业务使他积累了对通用会计准则和税法的深刻理解和丰富经验。
Equipped with his education, training, and practice in America, Andrew moved to Shanghai, China, in the early 2000s. He progressively served as a private equity fund manager for a large state-owned holding corporation, CFO of an Italian-invested electronics manufacturer, and CEO of a prestigious European automobile brand importer. These senior executive positions allowed Andrew to further develop his knowledge and expertise in company law, securities law, contract law, mergers and acquisitions, and property law.
侯律师带着在美留学和工作积累的多年经验于2000年初回到中国上海。在其后十多年的的时间里，他曾就职及历任大型国有私募基金部门经理，意大利投资电子制造公司CFO，和某欧洲豪华汽车品牌华东进口商CEO。 这些高级管理岗位使侯律师能够深入理解和应用公司法，证券法，合同法，兼并收购及劳动法等相关法律。
Andrew completed his formal legal education in New Zealand. Throughout his years of education, professional training, and practice, he has been extensively involved in immigration law, relationship property law, wills, and estate planning.
侯律师在新西兰完成进一步法学教育及资格培训。在多年的生活, 教育和操作实践使得他更为广泛的接触了移民法，婚姻财产法， 遗嘱，和资产规划等与生活密切相关的法律。
On a personal note, Andrew is an active member of the New Zealand Chinese community and an enthusiastic marathon runner.
侯律师不仅热衷参与新西兰华人社区的各种活动， 他还是一位热情的马拉松跑者。
Contact
09 534 7169
andrew@jamesdonovan.co.nz
Professional Staff
James, Michelle and Andrew are supported by highly experienced and effective staff:
Vanessa Martin
LEGAL EXECUTIVE
Vanessa is a Senior Legal Executive who works with our lawyers across a wide range of areas, but especially Estates, Conveyancing, Occupational Right Agreements, Enduring Powers of Attorney, Wills, and Trusts.
09 534 7169
vanessa@jamesdonovan.co.nz
Lizelle Smit
OFFICE MANAGER
09 534 7169
lizelle@jamesdonovan.co.nz