Meet the Team
Michelle Donovan
DirectorBefore 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."
James Donovan
FounderJames successfully represented clients across the wider Howick area for decades. Over a distinguished 60-year career, he became a master of conveyancing, commercial, trust, family, and property law. His longstanding professional relationships often paved the way for elegant solutions to complex problems, while his sharp skill as a barrister ensured clients were in the most assured hands during criminal proceedings. James also provided sage guidance on mortgages, investment, taxation, wills, and estates.
As our late Founder, James bestowed a wealth of experience upon the firm. Today, we draw on that rich legacy to quickly define the most effective path forward—saving you time and expense, while providing absolute peace of mind.
Andrew Hou
Solicitor
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.
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.
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.
On a personal note, Andrew is an active member of the New Zealand Chinese community and an enthusiastic marathon runner.
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。
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。
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。
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。
Daewansh Vyas
Solicitor
Drawing on experience in both legal practice and the financial advisory sector, Daewansh provides advice on residential and commercial property transactions, refinancing, business sales and acquisitions, leasing arrangements, and trust-related matters. He enjoys helping clients navigate significant legal and commercial decisions and is committed to delivering clear, pragmatic advice tailored to their individual circumstances.
He values building strong relationships with clients and takes a straight-forward, solutions-focused approach to achieving positive outcomes. Working across a broad range of private client and commercial matters, Daewansh assists individuals, families, and businesses with practical and effective legal solutions.
Outside of work, Daewansh enjoys spending time with family, keeping up with sports, and pursuing his interest in music.
Vanessa Martin
Associate - Registered Legal Executive
With more than 34 years’ experience in the New Zealand legal profession, Vanessa has developed extensive knowledge across a broad range of legal areas, with the past 4 years focused predominantly on estates, succession planning and later-life legal services.
Vanessa specialises in estate administration, wills, trusts, enduring powers of attorney, occupation right agreements, admission agreements to aged care, and residential conveyancing. She enjoys helping clients and families navigate complex legal matters, ensuring issues are carefully considered and practical solutions are found.
Vanessa enjoys the challenge of working through legal problems that require careful thought, attention to detail and a thorough understanding of each client’s circumstances. She believes good legal advice should be clear, practical and easy to understand, taking the time to explain matters in plain English so clients can make informed decisions with confidence.
Known for her thorough approach and practical perspective, Vanessa brings experience, sound judgement and a commitment to achieving positive outcomes for clients. She understands that many legal decisions arise during significant periods of change and aims to make the process as straightforward and manageable as possible.
Outside of work, Vanessa enjoys reading, painting, gardening, walking, paddleboarding and sailing. She values time spent with family and friends and finds that being outdoors, whether on the water or simply sitting barefoot on the grass in the garden, provides the perfect opportunity to recharge and maintain balance.
Lizelle Smit
Office Manager
Lizelle oversees the trust accounts and administrative functions of the practice and ensures the efficient day-to-day operation of the office. She works closely with the legal team, providing support across a variety of legal and administrative matters and helping to maintain the high standard of service the firm delivers to its clients.
Lizelle's strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and practical approach make her an integral member of the team and a valued point of contact for both clients and staff.