Carlile Dowling office building in Napier

Our Story

150+ years of legal expertise.

A modern legal firm with deep roots in Hawke's Bay, offering comprehensive services across property, commercial, trusts and estates.

Our Story

From Napier's earliest legal foundations.

Welcome to Carlile Dowling, the trusted legal firm in Napier with a rich history dating back to some of the first lawyers to practise here from 1874, and earlier.

"Today, we are a modern legal firm offering a wide range of services to meet the diverse needs of our clients."

Over 150 Years of Expertise

We have provided exceptional legal services to our clients for over 150 years. We understand this region because we've been part of it from the beginning.

A Team Approach

At Carlile Dowling, we take a team approach to our work, ensuring that our clients benefit from the collective knowledge and expertise of our highly respected professionals.

Property, trusts & estates expertise
Business & commercial specialists
Intellectual property expertise

2024

Today's Carlile Dowling

We are known for our intellectual property expertise, our dedicated mediation service, and our compassionate approach to estate planning for families.

Our Journey

A story written across five generations

From humble beginnings in colonial Napier to today's modern practice, trace the milestones that shaped Hawke's Bay's longest-serving law firm.

1850s

Legal Practice Begins in Napier

J. N. Wilson was the first lawyer to practise in Napier. A. J. Cotterill joined him in partnership in 1875. A successor firm merged with Carlile McLean Wood and Sorrell to form Carlile McLean Wood and Sorrell.

1874

James Wren Carlile Opens Practice

James Wren Carlile, known affectionately as “Swearing Jimmy”, commences legal practice in Napier.

The firm's founding year — 150 years of continuous service

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1881

Carlile and McLean Partnership

James Carlile forms a partnership with Patrick McLean, practising as Carlile and McLean.

1942

Hallam Dowling Joins

Hallam Dowling joins A. E. Lawry in practice. A successor of this firm later becomes Dowling & Co, and merges with Carlile McLean.

The Dowling name enters the firm's lineage

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1950

Major Firm Amalgamation

Carlile, McLean, Wood and Sorrell (a successor of Carlile and McLean) amalgamates with Humphries and Dobson to form Carlile, McLean, Wood, Sorrell and Dobson. In 1963 the firm changed its name to Carlile McLean & Co.

1980

Dowling & Co Established

Dowling, Wacher & Co merges with the firm of Peach, Sturm, Prescott & Jamieson and continues under the name Dowling & Co.

1987

Carlile Dowling is Born

Carlile McLean & Co merges with Dowling & Co to form Carlile Dowling, uniting two distinguished legal traditions under one name.

The firm's current name reflects both founding lineages.

2024

A New Chapter

Carlile Dowling incorporates and refocuses on property, commercial, trusts, estates, and relationship property services. The firm moves to Valour House on Dalton Street, marking the beginning of its next 150 years.

Celebrating 150 years while positioning for the future.

The Men Behind The Name

Our Founders

Two remarkable men whose legacy continues to shape how we practise law today.

James Carlile

1842 - Founded 1874

Born in Ireland in 1842, James Carlile practised as a lawyer in England before coming to New Zealand in 1874. In that year, he began practice in Napier.

In 1881, he and Patrick McLean formed the partnership of Carlile & McLean, with an office in Emerson Street.

Small, spare and learned, Carlile was a great lawyer who, because of his colourful vocabulary and irreverent character, became known as "Swearing Jimmy". He acted both for the Bishop of Waiapu and the Presbyterian Church in Napier.

Sir Hallam Dowling

1909 - CBE 1968, Knighted 1978

The firm of Dowling & Co can be traced to A.E. Lawry, who practised in the 1920s in Napier. In 1942, he took on Hallam Dowling as a partner.

Born in 1909, Dowling had difficulty finding employment during the Great Depression of the 1930s. He called on every law firm between Wellington and Napier looking for a position.

He became one of the pre-eminent lawyers in Hawke's Bay. He was awarded the CBE in 1968 for his services to the community and was knighted in 1978.

What Guides Us

Our Values

We are proud of our heritage and committed to delivering the highest-quality legal services to you. While much has changed since 1874, our commitment remains the same.

Today, we continue the tradition of excellence established by our founders. Our team combines deep local knowledge with modern legal expertise.

We focus on property, commercial, trusts and estates services - areas where our long experience in Hawke's Bay provides real value to our clients.

Meet Our Team Our Services