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    Who we are

    Get to know us

    With lawyers and legal executives across both offices, we are equipped with a wide range of legal knowledge and experience.

    We welcome everyone into our offices, whether you're coming straight from the office, school drop off or the farm — step inside so we can get started and get you sorted right away.

    Contact Us

    P06 368 9239

    Levin

    28 Queen Street
    Levin, New Zealand, 5510

    Wellington

    Level 3, Solnet House, 70 The Terrace,
    Wellington, 6011

    Meet the People

    I'm interested in people who know about

    Doug Rowan - CSLaw

    Doug Rowan
    LLB/BA

    Director and Notary Public

    Peter McKenzie-Bridle
    LLB/BA

    Director

    Connie Hyslop
    LLB/BA

    Associate

    Alex Johnson
    LLB/BA

    Solicitor

    Rebecca Boles
    LLB/BA

    Solicitor

    Claire Ongley
    LLB

    Solicitor

    Lucy Witkowski
    LLB/BA

    Solicitor

    Alexia McEwen
    LLB/BCom

    Solicitor

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    Doug Rowan - CSLaw

    Doug Rowan

    LLB/BA

    P06 366 0171

    Hi, I'm Doug.
    I'm a Director and Notary Public and I specialise in Commercial, Estates, General Law, Relationship Property, Rural and Trusts.

    Doug joined CS Law in 1996 after graduating from Victoria University with an LLB, BA and a BA (Philosophy). Doug is the first Director of CS Law after Cullinane Steele incorporated having become a partner in 2003.

    Doug practices in the areas of commercial and property law, trusts, wills, estates and relationship property specialising in business transactions, commercial lending and advice on asset protection and business structures. Having grown up on a dairy farm Doug has a particular interest in rural transactions.

    Doug is married to Hannah and has two teenage daughters. He is the Chair of Te Hinaki Education Trust and is passionate about improving educational outcomes for all children in Horowhenua.

    He values the role Christian faith has in his life and in his spare time he is a keen Cricket and Rugby fan, enjoys a good bike ride and relaxing with a book or the paper!

    Doug is also a Notary Public.

    Close

    Peter McKenzie-Bridle

    LLB/BA

    P04 830 0934

    M021 901 735

    Hi, I'm Peter.
    I'm a Director and I specialise in Dispute Resolution, Employment Law, Family Law, Litigation and Relationship Property.

    Peter specialises in resolving disputes that arise in a variety of relationships such as between people who are separating, and between employers and employees. Peter’s diverse background working in different environments such as IT, social work, and law helps him remain grounded and focused on negotiating the realistic solutions to complex problems.

    Where a matter cannot be resolved by agreement through negotiation, Peter is also experienced in presenting cases in court and has appeared in the Family Court, Employment Court, High Court, and a variety of other forums.

    Peter is married to Kate and they live in Wellington. They have 3 adult children, 2 cats and a dog. When he’s not at work, you may find Peter surfing the waves at Lyall Bay, spending time with his family, or at St Michael’s Anglican Church in Kelburn.

    Close

    Connie Hyslop

    LLB/BA

    P06 882 6061

    Hi, I'm Connie.
    I'm an Associate and I specialise in Family Law and Relationship Property.

    Connie graduated from the University of Otago in 2018 with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in History and Japanese. Connie joined CS Law as a student intern over the summer of 2015, returning each year before starting full-time employment in 2019. She was admitted to the bar in June 2019.

    Connie is a member of the litigation team and practices in family law, with a focus on relationship property, PPPR, care of children and family violence proceedings. Connie aims to get the best results for her clients while helping them navigate and understand the Family Court process.

    Close

    Alex Johnson

    LLB/BA

    P04 830 0906

    Hi, I'm Alex.
    I'm a Solicitor and I specialise in Dispute Resolution, Employment Law, Family Law, Litigation and Relationship Property.

    Alex joined CS Law in 2023 and works in our Litigation Team.

    Alex graduated from Victoria University of Wellington with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in International Relations. During his studies, Alex worked as a community youth worker for young people in Wellington and Porirua.
    In his spare time, Alex is an avid hockey player and enjoys a round of golf.

    Close

    Rebecca Boles

    LLB/BA

    P04 830 0924

    M021 221 3673

    Hi, I'm Rebecca.
    I'm a Solicitor and I specialise in ACC Law, Dispute Resolution, Employment Law, Family Law, Litigation and Relationship Property.

    Rebecca joined CS Law in 2025 and works in the Litigation Team.

    Rebecca studied at Victoria University of Wellington, where she completed a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in History. Prior to joining CS Law, she has worked at John Miller Law and the Social Workers Registration Board.

    Outside of work, Rebecca is a volunteer at Community Law Wellington and Hutt Valley, and a member of the Community Law Volunteer Sub-Committee.

    Close

    Claire Ongley

    LLB

    P06 366 0170

    Hi, I'm Claire.
    I'm a Solicitor and I specialise in Family Law and Relationship Property.

    Claire joined CS Law in 2025 and works in the Litigation Team.

    Claire earned a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Canterbury in 1996. After graduation, she spent time traveling and teaching English overseas, before returning to New Zealand where she began work in the digital media industry. This career path eventually took her to Sydney. In 2014, Claire and her husband relocated to the Horowhenua where they started a farm. During this time she ran an import business while raising their two children.

    In 2023 Claire returned to law, studying at Victoria University, and was admitted to the bar in March 2025. Claire aims to use her life experience, compassion and expertise to help clients navigate challenging family situations and achieve effective resolutions.

    Close

    Lucy Witkowski

    LLB/BA

    P04 830 8733

    Hi, I'm Lucy.
    I'm a Solicitor and I specialise in Dispute Resolution, Employment Law, Family Law, Litigation and Relationship Property.

    Lucy joined CS Law in 2025 and works in the Litigation Team.

    Originally from Wellington, Lucy studied at the University of Otago, where she completed a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Geography. Prior to joining CS Law, she worked on claims for survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care, gaining valuable experience in sensitive matters.

    Outside of work, Lucy enjoys cooking, netball, yoga, and concerts.

    Close

    Alexia McEwen

    LLB/BCom

    P06 399 2052

    Hi, I'm Alexia.
    I'm a Solicitor and I specialise in Dispute Resolution, Family Law, Litigation and Relationship Property.

    Alexia joined CS Law in 2025 and works in our Litigation Team.

    Before becoming a lawyer Alexia worked as a disability carer, then travelled abroad to live and work in Ireland and Northern Ireland, where she worked in hospitality and office administration.

    Alexia returned to New Zealand and completed her studies at Victoria University of Wellington | Te Herenga Waka, completing a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Management. During her studies Alexia was involved with Ngā Rangahautira (The Māori Law Students Association) and Community Law.

    Alexia was admitted to the bar in October 2022 and has previous experience working at one of New Zealand’s leading commercial law firms. Although new to this area of practice, Alexia has a keen interest in working alongside people to navigate the complexities and challenges that commonly present themselves in family and employment law.

    Our people and story

    CS Law (formerly Cullinane Steele) have been looking after individuals, families and businesses for generations, delivering practical advice so you can make important decisions with confidence.

    Our Litigators, Solicitors, Legal Executives and support staff have a wide range of experience and knowledge. We are equipped to handle your needs, with a portfolio of commercial business, property, litigation, family and rural clients, we are big on service and trade on our reputation. In 2021 CS Law established a litigation team enabling CS Law to offer a one-stop legal service to our clients. Our litigation team can deal with your criminal, family or relationship cases.

    2022 sees us open a second office in the Wellington CBD to allow us to service our Wellington based clients, and providing more choice for our Kapiti Coast clients, now having the choice to travel in either direction. CS Law prides itself on offering practical advice and effective solutions.

    Talk to the experts and we will look after you.

    Our Values

    Our purpose and philosophy:

    Tā mātou koronga… tā mātou tautake: te manaaki i tō mātou hapori mā te waha i ōna tāngata, te āwhina hoki i a rātou ki te pōkai i ngā tūāoma o te ao me te kaupare i ōna wero.

    To serve our community by being a voice for its people, helping them to navigate life’s milestones and to overcome its challenges.

    HE NGĀKAU AROHA:

    We are Compassionate:

    KA NOHO MĀTĀMUA KO TE TANGATA.

    We put people first.

    HE HUNGA MAHI TAHI:

    We are Collaborative:

    KA WHAKAUTE, KA WHAKAPONO, KA TAUTOKO I TE KIRITAKI ME TE TANGATA.

    We respect, trust, and support our clients and people.

    HE MANAWANUI:

    We are Committed:

    TIKA ANA TE MANAAKI ATU I NGĀ WĀ KATOA.

    We give the best of ourselves at all times.

    HE HOROPŪ:

    We have Character:

    HE NGĀKAU TAPATAHI.

    We never compromise our integrity.
    Associations

    As a member of NZ Law we are in touch with law firms all around the country, ensuring that we have the latest legal information at our fingertips.

    Member firms practise in a wide range of legal disciplines ranging from business law, home buying and selling, immigration law and intellectual property to aviation law, viticulture and tourism. Cullinane Steele is able to utilise the services of NZ Law legal experts from across the country in order to solve your unique legal problem.