Lane Neave celebrates 150 years

This year marks 150 years since John Holmes established the law firm Thompson & Holmes, known today as Lane Neave.

From humble beginnings in Christchurch in 1868, Lane Neave has grown to become a leading national firm, serving clients and communities from offices in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.

“When Holmes first opened the doors of the small office in Christchurch, he would not have imagined it was the beginning of a long history that would extend into the 21st Century,” said Managing Partner, Andrew Shaw.

“While Lane Neave shows little resemblance in terms of size and national spread, in essence the same core values that have underpinned our firm’s success remain the same.”

“We continue to be externally focused, not inwardly looking, working each day to help our clients solve problems and realise opportunities – some thing just don’t need to change.”

“As we reflect on our legacy and that of John Holmes, and subsequently Beauchamp Lane and Kenelm Neave, across a period that includes great depressions, pandemics, World Wars, financial crisis and natural disasters, it is with great pride that I speak on behalf a prosperous and growing national firm that is tightly woven into the fabric of New Zealand.”

“Our, rather fittingly, 150 partners and staff remain as committed today as we were in 1868 to individuals and families, and more latterly corporates and multi-nationals, to who we have the pleasure of providing quality legal services.”

To celebrate and say thanks to the communities who have shown support over the years, Lane Neave is launching a series of community initiatives.

Lane Neave’s 150 partners and staff will be given a paid working day to support a community group or community project of their choice.

The firm will also donate 150 hours of pro-bono time to charities we work with including the Stroke Foundation, Fallen Heroes Foundation and the Emergency Care Foundation.

“150 years is an impressive milestone and we believe that helping enhance the communities in which we work is the right way to celebrate,” Shaw added.

In addition to the community initiatives, retired Partner, John England, has documented the firm’s history, which will be launched online later in year.

ENDS

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