Legal Consultant · Notary Public · Arbitrator
Five decades of trusted legal advice in Auckland
Roger Donnell has practised law since 1976. Today he offers specialist legal advice, notarial services and dispute resolution, with the same informal, accessible and cost-conscious approach that has served his clients for more than 50 years.
Barrister & Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand · Notary Public since 1988
Years in legal practice
Years running his own Auckland practice
Appointed Notary Public
University degrees
What Roger can do for you
Three areas of expertise, one experienced practitioner
Clear, practical help from someone who has seen it all in more than half a century of practice.
Legal Consultant
In general legal practice since 1974, including 35 years running his own suburban practice in Auckland. Now semi-retired, Roger is available for legal opinions, locum work and specialist advice.
Notary Public
A Notary Public since 1988, Roger offers all aspects of notarial work, including certifying, witnessing and authenticating documents for use overseas. Member of NZSON and Fellow of ANZCN.
Arbitrator
Over 50 years in alternative dispute resolution. Fellow of AMINZ and of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), and a current Panel Member of the Retirement Villages Disputes Panel.
Legal consultancy
Areas of legal advice
Roger’s broad general practice background means he can advise across a wide range of everyday legal matters for individuals, families, small businesses and community organisations.
- Property law: sales, purchases and refinancing
- Subdivisions, easements and licences
- Residential and commercial property
- Small businesses and debt consolidation
- Clubs and charities
- Elder law, including Enduring Powers of Attorney
- Trusts, wills and estate planning
- Uncontested dissolution of marriage
- Non-contentious relationship property agreements
- Family, consumer and administrative law
Notary Public
Need a document notarised for use overseas?
Since 1988 Roger has helped people of many nationalities with documents for use abroad. Bring your documents and photo identification, and he will guide you through what the receiving country requires.
- Certifying copies of passports, degrees and personal documents
- Witnessing signatures on overseas documents
- Statutory declarations and affidavits for use abroad
- Powers of attorney for overseas property and affairs
- Company and commercial documents
- Preparing documents for apostille or consular legalisation
About
Meet Roger Donnell
Roger graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Arts in 1973 and a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) in 1975, and was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand on 30 January 1976.
After thirteen years with a large Auckland law firm, a company and Housing New Zealand, he founded the “Sunnynook Law Shop” in 1987. The practice grew to include branches in Henderson (known as “Kiwilegal”), Albany, Helensville, Mount Eden and Northcote, before consolidating at Wairau Park as Donnell and Associates.
Roger stepped back from full-time practice in 2023, but he holds a current practising certificate and continues to work as a legal consultant, locum, notary and arbitrator.
Informality. Accessibility. Efficiency. Reasonable costs.
The approach that has guided Roger through more than 50 years in practice.
Informal
Plain-English conversations without intimidating jargon or formality.
Accessible
Easy to reach and easy to talk to, so you can get help when you need it.
Efficient
Five decades of experience means your matter is handled promptly.
Reasonable costs
Fair, sensible fees that reflect the work involved.
Career
A career spanning five decades
Bachelor of Arts (History), University of Auckland
Bachelor of Laws (Honours), University of Auckland
Admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand
Master of Jurisprudence (Distinction) in Land Law and Criminal Law
Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK)
Founded the “Sunnynook Law Shop” and became an Associate of AMINZ
Appointed a Notary Public
Fellow of the Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand
Bachelor of Theology (Distinction) in Ethics and Systematic Theology, University of Otago
Practice moves to Wairau Park as Donnell and Associates
Panel Member, Retirement Villages Disputes Panel (NZ)
Continues as legal consultant, locum, notary and arbitrator
Credentials
Qualifications and designations
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts (History)
- Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
- Master of Jurisprudence (with Distinction) in Land Law and Criminal Law
- Bachelor of Theology in Ethics and Systematic Theology
Designations
- Notary Public
- Member, New Zealand Society of Notaries
- Fellow, Australia and New Zealand College of Notaries
- Fellow, Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand
- Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK)
- Panel Member, Retirement Villages Disputes Panel
Contact
Get in touch
Whether you need a legal opinion, a document notarised or a dispute resolved, contact Roger directly to arrange a time.