Principal

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, two turtles and a puppy 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.

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

Born in Sydney of British parents, Jasmine spent her childhood in the Philippines, the Netherlands, Australia and the UK. After completing the International Baccalaureate in Oxford, she gained a place at the Australian National University in Canberra where she was awarded a double degree in Asia-Pacific Studies and Law (Hons). During this time she had the diverse experience of being an intern both at the Shanghai office of Dentons and two (somewhat smaller!) Queenstown firms.

Rather than practise law in Australia, Jasmine decided to join her family in New Zealand. She has spent the last 3 years at a boutique Queenstown firm undertaking the NZ Law Qualification whilst gaining hands-on experience in property, estate, trust and relationship property law. Jasmine chose Wesley Jones as the next step in her professional career, because its approach matched her own open, caring, ethical standards:

“Legal matters can often appear daunting and complex. I’m here to offer a personalised, approachable service, answering queries in easy-to -understand terms, and supporting clients through the process.”

And as for her move to Dunedin:
“Dunedin offers a sublime combination of nature and culture. What other UNESCO City of Literature also boasts albatross and seals?”

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 partner Carlin, and three young children, Alexa, Lincoln, and Evie.

“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 Hiku.