About us

History

1840–2011

Bell Gully is one of New Zealand’s oldest law firms and we are proud of our rich history. Over the years, we have produced many leading lawyers, including a solicitor-general, three attorneys-general, three chief justices, numerous High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court judges, two prime ministers and a governor-general. Here are some critical dates and events in our journey so far.

1840

Frederick Whitaker sets up practice in Kororareka – founder of the practice which would become known as Auckland' Buddle Weir & Co.

1841

Whitaker moves to Auckland.

1853

Whitaker is elected Auckland Provincial Solicitor, appointed to Legislative Council and becomes Attorney-General.

1860

Charles Izard sets up practice in Wellington – founder of the practice which would become known as Wellington's Bell Gully & Co.

1861

BNZ founded by Thomas Russell. Whitaker and Russell become partners. Thomas Buddle is articled to Thomas Russell.

1863

Whitaker appointed Attorney-General and Premier of New Zealand.

1865

Capital of the colony moves to Wellington.

1872

Buddle admitted as a partner in Whitaker & Russell.

1875

Izard admits Harry Bell (later Sir Francis Bell) to partnership as Izard & Bell.

1886

Partnership becomes Bell Gully & Izard.

1894

Whitaker's partnership name changes to Buddle, Button & Co.

1897

Izard resigns and firm changes name to Bell Gully & Bell.

1900s–1940s

During this period of two World Wars and the Depression both practices suffered economic declines and many partnership changes.

1950s

Although times were changing, the Bell Gully traditions continued. Each morning it was the law clerk's job to carry fuel to set and light the fire in the main lobby. It had to be blazing by the time the senior partners arrived.

1960

Auckland firm changes name to Buddle Weir & Co.

1968

Bell Gully Buddle Weir & Co employed its first woman law clerk. It was only after changes to the liquor licensing laws that Geraldine Conway was permitted to enter the bar where the law clerks met for drinks.

1969

First merger discussions between the two firms took place.

1984

On 1 April 1984, the association that had begun well over 100 years earlier resulted in the merger of the two firms to form Bell Gully Buddle Weir.

1989

Auckland office moves into Auckland Club Tower, Shortland Street. Wellington office moves Featherston Street.

2000

Auckland office moves to Royal Sun Alliance Centre (now the Vero Centre), Shortland Street. Firm name becomes Bell Gully.

2008

The firm creates a world first in carbon trading, by purchasing the first Certified Emission Reduction units to be transferred between countries. The Gold Standard units, originating from a biomass project in India, and additional units purchased, are used to offset Bell Gully's own emissions.

2009

New Zealand's first practice manual for in-house lawyers is launched. The Essential Guide to In-house Practice is a joint initiative between the Corporate Lawyers Association of New Zealand (CLANZ) and Bell Gully, its long-time sponsor. The guide contains practical and relevant information on legal subjects and managing in-house practice and is launched at simultaneous events in Wellington and Auckland by Attorney-General Chris Finlayson and CLANZ patron Hon Sir Ian Barker, QC respectively.

2010

Bell Gully takes part in the Golf Marrowthon to raise money for the work of Leukaemia & Blood Foundation (LBF), and raises in excess of $26,000 for LBF.

2012

Bell Gully is named IFLR Law Firm of the Year for the eighth time in nine years. The firm was named Corporate Citizen of the Year at the 2012 ALB Australasian Law Awards. The award recognises Bell Gully’s pro bono programme, which in 2011 saw Bell Gully commit just under NZ$1 million in fee-equivalent time to pro bono legal services. Bell Gully was also named as New Zealand winner of the Chambers Asia Pacific Awards 2012.