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.
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.
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.
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.
To be Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading law firm, trusted and valued by our clients, people and community.
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.
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.
Everyday, we will be guided by the following principles: