The value of depth - why experience and longevity matter in law

In the fast-moving and constantly evolving legal landscape, depth of legal knowledge and long-standing experience remain cornerstones of exceptional service. At Willis Legal, we believe that longevity - both within individual careers and across the life of a firm - is not just an advantage but a profound asset that distinguishes meaningful legal practice from mere process.

With over 135 years of history, Willis Legal has grown from its roots in Napier to become a trusted legal partner across Hawke’s Bay. Founded in the late 1800s, the firm has continued to grow and evolve throughout its life, culminating in the multi-branch, modern law practice Willis Legal is today. This growth reflects not just strategic expansion, but a deep commitment to serving our community with integrity and care.

That legacy is also personal. Lawrie Willis, a longstanding partner, represents the third generation of his family to practise law at the firm. Mark Goodson, another senior (but extremely young-looking) partner, continues the legacy of his late father, a former partner, Brian. Other family ties, including Kevin Callinicos, previously a partner but now a consultant, and his daughter, Vicky and son, John (both solicitors) have helped shape the firm’s culture of continuity and trust. Over the years, Willis Legal has also produced three High Court Judges (Justice Woodhouse, Justice Gallen, and Justice Chisholm) and a District Court Judge (Judge Neal), underscoring the calibre of legal minds nurtured within our walls.

Legal knowledge gained through years of practice is more than just technical proficiency. It’s the accumulated wisdom of navigating ambiguity, resolving complex disputes, and anticipating challenges before they arise. Experienced lawyers bring insight that no textbook or single case can teach. They’ve seen the ripple effects of legislative changes, the ways precedent shifts, and how context shapes outcomes. This insight allows them to offer strategic clarity in moments when the stakes are high, and the path unclear.Whether we’re advising on property transactions, family matters, or complex commercial negotiations, we draw on long-standing knowledge to craft solutions that are practical and enduring.

Experience also builds trust. Clients often come to us in moments of vulnerability - seeking support through family breakdowns, financial uncertainty, or legal conflicts. Knowing that their lawyer has walked this path with many before them instils confidence. It reassures them that the advice they receive is grounded in more than theory; it’s been tested, refined, and proven. In a field where outcomes can profoundly affect lives, trust in your legal advisor is indispensable.

As longstanding partner Lawrence Willis puts it: “Legal knowledge is important, but it’s the experience behind it that gives it weight. Clients don’t just want answers - they want assurance that those answers come from someone who’s seen the terrain before and knows how to guide them through it.”

That ethos extends to our investment in the future. Willis Legal is proud to support young lawyers and legal executives, regularly hiring graduates and summer clerks, and fostering a culture of mentorship. Seasoned lawyers become anchors for younger colleagues, passing down knowledge that helps maintain high standards across generations. Even as we explore emerging technologies, and how we can best use them for our clients (including AI and digital tools), our core values of integrity, clarity, and client focus remain intact.

In essence, the depth of legal knowledge and long-standing experience are what turn legal representation into legal guidance. At Willis Legal, we honour this legacy - drawing on years of practice not just to resolve issues, but to educate, empower, and protect our clients with precision and heart.

Supporting Clients Through Separation

3 March 2026

If you’re navigating a separation and would like to understand whether this option could help, our team is here to talk it through.

Spotlight on Marta Black

4 February 2026

We’re pleased to shine a light on Marta Black, an Associate in our Dispute Resolution team. Since joining Willis Legal in 2022, Marta has become a valued member of our Dispute Resolution team. She is known for her calm, thoughtful approach, and her ability to bring clarity to even the most complex disputes. Marta works across a wide range of civil litigation, with a particular focus on contentious trust matters and complex relationship property disputes. These areas often involve significant assets and sensitive family dynamics, and Marta is recognised for the steady guidance she brings to her clients throughout the process. Marta appears regularly in the range of courts in the civil jurisdiction. Before entering practice, she worked as a Judge’s Clerk at the High Court. That experience gave her a strong foundation in legal analysis and a close understanding of how complex decisions are made, something that continues to shape her work today. When asked what motivates her, Marta says she is driven by the challenge of providing accurate, timely, and practical advice. She enjoys the intellectual side of litigation and the satisfaction of solving difficult problems. “ I enjoy a complex puzzle and looking at a problem from all angles to find a solution that delivers results for our clients ,” she says. That mindset has seen her navigate some memorable matters, including acting in a contentious company dispute involving prejudice to shareholders, which ultimately led to a formal proof hearing in related relationship property proceedings. Another standout was a six‑week breach of contract trial in Auckland. It was hard‑fought, strategically demanding, and ultimately successful. Outside work, Marta enjoys the best of Hawke’s Bay life. She loves spending time with her young family and their two beagles, heading to the beach, and embracing her new hobby of camping (or glamping, as she admits with a smile). When asked what she finds most rewarding about her role, her answer is simple: “ Interesting work, with good people .”