The firm
that leads

We relish our position and reputation as an innovative and leading law firm. In a market crowded by legal tradition, we choose to look to the future. We embrace technology and see it as a tool to better serve our clients, and we are constantly pushing the boundaries of legal know-how. We are not content to stand still. We never stop learning and improving.

people stood talking

Our history

The story of Chapman Tripp began in 1875, when Martin Chapman established his legal practice in Wellington. His subsequent partnership with Leonard Tripp created the foundation for an enduring legal firm that is now marking 150 years of legal service.

Over time the firm has navigated a remarkable trajectory, leading pivotal projects and cases that have shaped Aotearoa New Zealand. In 2025, we are the largest commercial law firm in the country, and continue to advise on matters that will shape our nation’s future.

Our digital timeline showcases some of these memorable moments in our history.

Explore our history

Separating ourselves from the pack

Being the firm that leads allows us to constantly challenge ourselves to deliver more value and high quality legal work. It also enables us to work on the largest, most complex and high-value transactions, projects and disputes in New Zealand.

Recent news

Our firm

Not only do we work with our clients to help them succeed, but we are at the forefront of regulatory change, using our knowledge and expertise to shape a better future for all New Zealand.

Recent insights

Our vision

To be Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading law firm, trusted and valued by our clients, people and community.

Our culture is unique

It drives our success. Our values enable us to think and act in ways that challenge the perceptions of a traditional law firm and underpin the relationships we have with our clients and with each other.

Supporting our clients

OUR VALUES

Astute
We demonstrate outstanding business and legal judgement.
We listen and think before we speak or act.
We provide clear and commercial views that demonstrate excellent judgement and intelligent thought. 

Collaborative
We collaborate seamlessly across teams.
We work with each other and our clients as an inclusive team to achieve shared goals. We respect the ideas and opinions of others and freely express our own.

People
We are leaders in our firm and the community, creating a sense of belonging and embracing diversity.
We respect people and value individuality and diversity.
We embrace the role we play in our wider community.
We make what we do enjoyable for the people involved.

Integrity
We are open, honest and ethical. We are trustworthy – willing to be accountable and courageous.
We are accountable when our values are not lived.

Dynamic
We are agile and courageous. We engage with energy, focus, and flair. We are innovative and respond positively to change.

Manaakitanga

Respect & reciprocity – with our team, our clients, and our community. Through our work we lift your mana and you lift ours. 

We want our workplace to reflect the society in which we work and operate in – having a diverse workforce is important not only to deliver top quality work, but to ensure our clients and community can be served by people they can relate to, and who advocate for them.

What it's like to work with us

We wholeheartedly embrace manaakitanga; we nurture and respect one another regardless of life experience, gender, religion, ethnicity, sexuality or physical ability.

Everyday, we will be guided by the following principles:

community

authenticity

no judgement

empowerment

progress