Our team specialise in both residential and commercial property law as well as private client services, so whether you’re a first home buyer, looking to build your own home, considering purchasing a commercial or investment property or seeking property legal advice, in need of a will or EPAs, Wesley Jones Law can help.
Our clients are the heart of how we run and everyone on our team are passionate and care deeply for client needs. If it matters to you, it matters to us!
Katharine hails from Northampton, a historic market town in central England. She earned her Honours degree in Law from the University of Warwick, followed by professional qualifications at York Law School. After qualifying, Katharine gained valuable experience at several prominent UK law firms including Mills & Reeve, Dentons, and Knights. She also worked in-house for the Pennon Group (South West Water), focusing extensively on commercial property, particularly commercial leases and lease management.
In 2004, Katharine relocated with her family to Dunedin, New Zealand, where she joined a national law firm’s local office specializing in commercial property. In 2011, she decided it was time to open her own law firm, launching Wesley Jones Law with a determination to do law differently. Since then, Katharine has brought a passionate, caring, and vibrant approach to her practice, building a reputation as a compassionate leader dedicated to supporting clients and the wider community.
Katharine lives in Sandymount, overlooking Dunedin city and harbour, where she enjoys the perfect mix of rural living while being close to the city. She loves tea, has a sweet tooth, and could easily be caught eating crumble for breakfast. A proud mother of three children and grandmother to the beloved Pup Executive Bea and Junior Paw Clerk Poppy, Katharine is passionate about caring for others and the future of generations to come. She is an active member of her local church and embraces her role within her adopted city.
With over Thirty years’ experience in global property law, Katharine specializes in property law and private client work. She is a member of the Property Law Section of the New Zealand Law Society and deeply values building lasting relationships with her clients to help them achieve their property and family goals.
Danielle joined the firm in January 2021. Having graduated from Otago Polytechnic with a Bachelor of Applied Management, Majoring in Accounting, she brings with her a wealth of knowledge to the team, keeping Wesley Jones Law running smoothly.
Danielle was born in Dunedin and through her studies, she was able to study overseas in India and Shanghai where she was emersed in cultures sparking her love for travel and wider knowledge.
She has a loving dog called Belle who she adores and, Danielle in her spare time is an avid baker!
Danielle is a passionate and determined individual led by her strong values and is involved with her local church serving on mission trips to Malawi with them.
Danielle is a key component of the running of Wesley Jones Law bringing not only for her skills but also for her kind and compassionate nature making clients and staff feel supported and cared for.
"From the moment I started working at Wesley Jones Law it felt like family. I love the way we interact with Clients and the outstanding amount of care that goes into each and every matter. I also love living in Dunedin, It's a beautiful place to live with all the nature walks and stunning views".
— Danielle Philippa.
Since beginning with us in an administrative role in 2014, Jasmine has expanded her knowledge and experience in residential conveyancing. She now specialises in this area as part of our Private Client Team as a senior registered legal executive. Jasmine lives in Pleasant Point near Timaru with husband Carlin, and three young children, Alexa, Lincoln, and Eve.
“I have a real passion for helping clients who are buying their first home. I love that getting people onto the property ladder and into their own homes is one of the passions of this firm. I am a real 'people' person and thoroughly enjoy working with our clients and others who are involved to get a sale or purchase across the line. I love that we personalise our approach depending on a client’s needs and wants, walking them through as much or as little as needed. At Wesley Jones Law we all come from different ages, stages and walks of life which means we can cater to a wide range of people. We are like a family, supporting each other and our clients to the best of our abilities.”
— Jasmine O'Leary.
Maria joined Wesley Jones Law in 2020. Maria settled in Dunedin in 2013 with her husband Ian, they have three adult children. She has lived and worked in Britain, Ireland, the USA and New Zealand.
In the course of an extensive career, Maria has been an administrator for BBC Television & Midland Montagu Merchant Bank, as well as smaller organisations and charities in Britain. She has also spent periods in publishing, the library service and primary education. She is involved in volunteer work in Otago.
“ It is wonderful to see the legal team help our clients through the highs and lows of real life. Every member of WJL has something different to offer and we like to pay attention to the details.”
— Maria Griffin
Tessa joined the firm in 2025 after completing a double degree in Law and English at the University of Otago, and has been radiating compassion and diligence ever since. She completed her Legal Professional Skills Course (Profs) with the College of Law NZ and was admitted to the bar in Dunedin in October 2025. With strengths in both analytical thinking and written communication, Tessa brings a thoughtful and well-rounded approach to her legal work.
Dunedin raised, Tessa has always appreciated the charm and character of her hometown. She enjoys exploring outdoors, checking out local cafes, and getting lost in a good book. A lifelong reader and lover of the little things, Tessa finds joy in quiet moments—often with a novel in one hand and a coffee in the other. Her favourite colour is blue, which makes a regular appearance in her life, from the ocean views she enjoys on weekend strolls to her cosy jumpers.
Tessa is a calm, compassionate presence in the office, known for her attention to detail and steady determination. She is passionate about supporting clients through complex legal matters with empathy and clarity. A valued part of the Wesley Jones Law team, Tessa’s approachable nature and dedication make her someone both clients and colleagues are grateful to have by their side.
"At Wesley Jones, we treat all our matters as a collaborative team effort. With each member of our team having their own unique strengths and skills, you can rest assured that your work will be completed with a large amount of effort, attention to detail, and compassion. That's the Wesley Jones Law way."
- Tessa Hadfield
Grace joined the firm in 2022 and graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Otago in 2025.
Born in Dunedin and having grown up across several cities internationally, Grace brings a broad cross-cultural perspective to her work and a natural ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Her global upbringing has shaped a thoughtful pairing of empathy with excellence, underpinned by intentional precision in everything she does. Grace approaches her work with purpose, care, and a genuine desire to add value — both to clients and to the team.
Reflecting her commitment to public service and continued legal development, Grace is currently on sabbatical working abroad as a Legal Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through Volunteer Services Abroad New Zealand.
Beyond the firm, Grace is a member of the Pacific Lawyers Association, the University of Otago’s Pacific Island Law Students’ Association (PILSA), and Te Roopū Whai Pūtake (the Māori Law Students’ Association).
“For a firm that specialises in property, they sure do know how to make you feel at home.”
Emily has long been part of the Wesley Jones Law story, however, officially joined the team in 2021. She is our in-house People and Marketing, bringing creativity, strategic thinking, and a sharp eye for detail.
A former Columba College pupil and Otago University alumna, Emily holds a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Marketing and Human Resource Management. Beyond her role here, Emily runs Emmy’s Creative and Twila — her own freelance businesses — supporting local brands through design, strategy, storytelling and selling Artwork
With a love for structure and colour palettes in equal measure, Emily is known for her sharp thinking, creative flair, and a little bit of wit. Whether she’s leading a campaign, planning an event, assisting with HR research or supporting management, she does it with style, efficiency, and a smile. Outside the office, she enjoys travel, illustration, floristry and being a very dedicated pet mum to our Pup Executive Bea and Junior Paw Clerk Poppy.
"I believe that both a home and life should allow space to be passionate, to act with intention and boldness, and to always leave room in the heart for the unimaginable delights life can offer."
- Emily Wesley-Jones
“Woof Woof”
— Bea Wesley-Jones
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