Skip to main content

About Us

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 Wesley-Jones

Katharine Wesley-Jones

Principal

LLB (Hons) - University of Warwick, UK

Katharine originates from Northampton, a market town in central England. She studied law at the University of Warwick where she gained her Honours degree before completing her professional qualifications at York Law School.
Following qualification, Katharine worked for several high-profile law firms in the UK including Mills & Reeve, Dentons, and Knights, as well as working as part of the in-house legal team of the Pennon Group (South West Water). During this time she worked on all aspects of commercial property work with an interest in commercial leases and commercial lease management.

Katharine moved to Dunedin in 2004 with her family and has been here ever since. On arrival, she joined the local office of a national law firm specialising in commercial property. In 2011 she launched Wesley Jones Law with a determination to do law differently; bringing a client-centred approach, and a passion to support others and the community.

Today she lives with her three children, and Bea the Pup Executive on the Mosgiel side of the Kinmont Hill overlooking the Maungatua Range. She is an active member of her local church and loves being a part of her adopted home city.
Katharine specialises in property law but also undertakes commercial work, as well as private client work – Wills, Trusts and EPAs. She has over twenty-five years of experience in the global property sector and is a member of the Property Law Section of the New Zealand Law Society.

Katharine loves getting to know her clients and helping them achieve their property and family goals.

Jasmine

Jasmine O'Leary

Registered Legal Executive

NZILE

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 one of our registered legal executives. 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.

Laura

Laura Edwards

Legal Executive

NZILE

Laura has been working for Wesley Jones Law since early 2016, joining us shortly after moving to Dunedin from Taranaki, where she grew up. After originally joining the team as an office support staff member, Laura’s role grew quickly and she is now one of our Registered Legal Executives in Dunedin. Laura is in the private client team with a focus on wills, enduring powers of attorney and probate.

Laura loves the Wesley Jones Law approach to what we provide for our clients; legal excellence with a huge emphasis on client care.

“We listen to what our clients want to achieve and deliver the best for their individual needs, walking with them every step of the way. There is no cookie-cutter approach to what we do. Being part of the team at Wesley Jones Law, you feel like you’re doing things differently to a traditional law firm. We really do go out of our way to care for our clients and to make sure they are looked after well. I’m constantly saying this, but I always wish I had the same service and care from my lawyers when I bought my first home, that is given to all of our clients.”
— Laura Edwards

Dani

Danielle Philippa

Practice Manager

BAM (Acct) Otago Polytechnic

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.

residential property,property law dunedin,property lawyer dunedin,property law,lawyer dunedin,law dunedin,about

Maria Griffin

Executive Assistant

BA (Hons) University of Ulster
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 and is currently studying for her Legal Executive Diploma. Joining Wesley Jones Law presented a new challenge.

“ 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

Grace

Grace Ahdar

Law Clerk

Grace joined the team in February, 2022. Having lived and studied across Australia, Samoa, and New Zealand, Grace is now settled in Dunedin finishing her legal studies at the University of Otago. Grace devoted two years to the Arise Church Ministry school, whilst simultaneously completing a Diploma of Theology and Christian Studies with Laidlaw College. With keen appreciation for culture and languages, she endeavours to persist in studying Mandarin atop her Certificate in Chinese Cultural and Experience Studies, and to be an active part in the healing developments considering Te Tiriti O Waitangi in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Passionate about organisations driven by purpose and vision, Grace joined the team at Wesley Jones Law eager to contribute and learn.
"Personally, it will always be about people, people, people. It is evident that client confidence and genuine relationships flow from the heartbeat of this firm that not only values it's clients, but also it's staff. Each procedure is executed with excellence, empathy, and consideration. For a team that handles properties, they sure do know how to make you feel at home."
- Grace Ahdar
Emily

Emily Wesley-Jones

Marketing and Design Strategist

Emily has been a part of the Wesley Jones Law environment for an extensive amount of time, however officially joined the team in 2021. Emily runs all of Wesley Jones Law's marketing giving it a unique and intriguing look.

After completing highschool at Columba College Emily commenced study at Otago University where she is currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Marketing and Human Resource Management. Emily is not only working for Wesley Jones Law but also does freelance marketing for other local businesses as well as owning her own creative business 'Emmys Creative'.

Emily is passionate about everything creative and loves to brighten up other peoples day while also being a witty and strong-willed individual. Finally, she loves travel and being a dog mum to Wesley Jones Law's very own Bea.

Bea

Bea

Pup Executive

Bea joined the Wesley Jones Law team in 2020 and has been making strides since as a Pup executive and is ready to help with all your legal needs. She loves seeing clients and making everyone happy with the aim to make interactions with clients very enjoyable by greeting everyone with her very social and expressive personality. She may growl on your arrival but promises it will stop as soon as she seen your lovely face! Bea is a very unpredictable pup executive so doesn't always show up on time or at all but if you would like to see her please feel free to send in a request that she is present at your meeting!

“Woof Woof”
— Bea Wesley-Jones