How A Country Law Firm Continues to Expand

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A new chapter is unfolding at Evans Henderson Woodbridge, one of the North Island’s oldest law firms and a pillar of the Rangitīkei community. With a history stretching back to at least 1910, and possibly even earlier, the Marton-based firm is now expanding its partnership.

Traditionally led by three partners – Phil Payton, John Henderson, and David Woodbridge – the firm is welcoming Scott Parkes, Tom Gilchrist, and Jack Henderson as new partners, marking a major expansion for the ‘country law firm’.

Senior partner John Henderson is former Chairman of Ravensdown and an active sheep and beef farmer.

The partnership growth also follows a year of “significant” growth, including a 50 percent increase in business and the establishment of a Wellington office.

“Every business reaches a point where change is needed,” says partner Phil Payton in an interview for NZ Herald. “Bringing in new partners sets us up for the future. We’re excited to keep growing and serving our communities.”

Meet the New Partners

Scott Parkes, raised in Ohingaiti and a University of Canterbury law graduate, joins the firm with a passion for farming law and with a deep connection to the community he grew up in.

Jack Henderson, John Henderson’s son, grew up on a farm in Ohingaiti and has known the firm his whole life. After studying at Otago University and working in London he returned to New Zealand during the pandemic. “It’s great to be back in a smaller community and work closely with clients.”

Tom Gilchrist, a Feilding local, studied at Victoria University of Wellington and began his legal career in Palmerston North.

Evans Henderson Woodbridgehas four offices, in Marton, Feilding, Hunterville, and Wellington. The firm is ready to build new relationships and serve more clients. “We’re here for the long term,” says Payton. “We’re open for business and committed to our communities.”