Who we are
Hawke's Bay lawyers since 1875.
Sainsbury Logan & Williams has advised Hawke’s Bay families, farms and businesses for 150 years — through earthquakes, recessions and five generations of change.
We are proud of our heritage but focused on the future, working together with you to achieve your goals. We’re building for the next 150 years, not just the last.
Our
partners.
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Andrew Wares
Partner
Banking and Finance
Commercial and Corporate Advisory
Joint Ventures
Mergers and Acquisitions
Jonathan Norman
Partner
Banking and Finance
Commercial and Corporate Advisory
Mergers and Acquisitions
Timeshare Wind-ups
Tracey Lee-Lewis
Partner
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Relationship Property
Trust and Estate Disputes and Litigation
Lincoln Reid
Partner
Commercial Property
Primary Industries and Agribusiness
Residential Property
Rural Property
Trust and Estate Administration and Planning
Nathan Gray
Partner
Construction
Employment
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Shipping and Maritime Law
Richard Doole
Partner
Banking and Finance
Commercial and Corporate Advisory
Mergers and Acquisitions
Primary Industries and Agribusiness
Caleb Hensman
Partner
Commercial Property
Residential Property
Rural Property
Succession Planning
Trust and Estate Administration and Planning
Adrian Barclay
Partner
Residential Property
Rural Property
Subdivisions
Succession Planning
Trust and Estate Administration and Planning
Our rich legacy.
1875
George Sainsbury established his legal practice in Napier in 1875.
1881
Francis Logan left England to travel to NZ for health reasons. He joined George Sainsbury as a Managing Clerk before being admitted as a barrister to the supreme Court around 1882.
1886
The great Napier Fire, destroying Sainsbury and Logan premises along with 25 other buildings.
1901
Firm founder George Sainsbury is lost overboard from the Monowai while returning from holiday — sparking a widely circulated but false rumour that he had returned from England after losing a case at the Privy Council.
1931
In November 1931, firm namesake Heathcote Williams passes away.
1931–1932
The Hawke’s Bay earthquake destroys SLW’s offices. The firm rebuilds at 61 Tennyson Street, Napier.
1932
The firm rebuilds at 61 Tennyson Street, Napier.
1933
March 1933 Francis Logan, the last of the firm’s namesakes, passes away — closing a foundational chapter in SLW’s early history.
1997
There was a decision made to have a Practice manager and the responsibility of running the business was delegated to a non lawyer so that the lawyers could focus on what they were good at. Appointment of Howard Bott.
2013
SLW welcomes its first female partners, marking a significant step forward in the firm’s history.
2023
SLW purchases the practice of SJ Scannell & Co, establishing the firm’s first Hastings office.
2025
Jan
Sainsbury Logan & Williams celebrates 150 years of service in Hawke’s Bay.
2025
May
SLW relocates to new, purpose-built offices in both Napier and Hastings.
2025
July
Out with the old. In with a bold new chapter. SLW updates its branding after 20 solid years.