History

Our firm was founded in 1923 when Arthur Cavell (a distinguished recipient of the Military Medal for Valour at Gallipoli) commenced practice as a Solicitor and was joined later that year by Tom Milliken who had recently moved to Christchurch from Auckland and the firm was then known as Cavell and Milliken.  Major Tom Milliken was killed in action in 1941.

In 1930 they were joined by Tam Leitch who became a partner in 1936 and the firm's steady expansion in size on the back of a commitment to service and professionalism had begun.

Ian Pringle joined the firm in 1948 and when he was made Partner in 1953 the firm became known as A H Cavell Leitch & Pringle. A  past President of the Canterbury District Law Society, Ian Pringle took the concept of client service to levels previously unheralded by Canterbury lawyers and led our firm through an unprecedented period of growth by focusing on communication, service and integrity throughout the 50s, 60s and 70s.

This was a golden period of growth in New Zealand and in1969 the firm welcomed Des Boyle as a partner, followed by many more solicitors who went on to become Partners. Many of these individuals still spearhead the firm's relentless pursuit for improvement.

As the firm has successfully expanded it has moved it's city office several times and has opened branch offices in Riccarton and New Brighton to ensure greater client access and service in both the east and west of the city.

The firm is committed to continuing to serve our clients in New Zealand and elsewhere yet remains proud of its provincial origins here in Canterbury. We currently have over 80 outstanding employees in our three offices and the firm's commitment to service, enjoyment and improvement has never been stronger.