About Us
John Allen / Director /Lawyer
In 1987 I set up the full time Warkworth office for Jackson Russell. That firm is the second oldest in Auckland and I was one of 6 partners. In 2002 I left the firm and set up my own firm Warkworth Law with my wife Jillian as my legal executive and practice manager. In 2007 I was joined in partnership by Jackie Woolerton.
My practice has become in recent years more directed towards land development (resource management and flow-on conveyancing) and business solutions although I am involved in many other facets of legal practice such as elder law, trusts and estates and domestic, rural and commercial conveyancing.
Since commencing practice in Warkworth I have taken up the position of honorary solicitor for many local clubs and organisations and I have been involved in producing or changing the constitutions of many of those organisations and others. I have been on the executive committee of the Mahurangi Rugby Club, President of Warkworth Rotary and a board member for many years, and a trustee of the Mahurangi Community Trust. I was a founding member of the Warkworth Chapter of BNI. I have been involved in coaching at the Kaipara Flats Cricket Club.
Currently I am involved in tramping, cycling, sailing, fishing, Golden Oldies rugby and Warkworth Rotary. I collect fine wine and rare books.
David Rolfe / Director / Lawyer
I gained my LLB from the University of Auckland. From 1975 to 1988 I was employed by and beacame a partner of an Auckland law firm which through several mergers eventually became part of one of the country's larger firms. I became a partner Corboy Wilson Rolfe & Co based in Wellsford in 1997 and remained with that firm until it became a part of Town & Country Law Limited.
In the late 80s/early 90s I had a break from practicing law for 7 years to pursue business interests. This included being involved with the administration of the Law Retirement Plan, a superannuation fund created for the legal profession. I remain a director of the Fund’s trustee.
Being in business has helped me understand my business clients' needs. I act for a number of businesses, being involved with their corporate activities, business sales and purchases, funding issues and leasing matters I also handle Residential and Rural Conveyancing and Subdivisions, Family Trusts and Estate Planning and a variety of other issues which confront my clients from time to time.
Outside of legal practice I have served for a number of years as either secretary or treasurer of the Wellsford Promotions Group and I also served two terms on the Wellsford Primary School Board of Trustees. I follow a number of different sports and otherwise spend time with family and friends.
Bruce Wilson LLB / Lawyer/Director
I gained my LLB from the University of Auckland. Initially I worked in Hamilton and was a partner with McCaw Smith & Arcus from 1973 to 1979, where I had a thorough grounding in residential and rural conveyancing.
I took time to travel through the United Kingdom and Europe. I then worked in Auckland for Kensington Haynes & White which became Kensington Wallace. In 1986 I moved with my family to Warkworth to live and worked for a local firm. I became a partner of Corboy Wilson Rolfe & Co in 1990. When Basil Corboy retired in 1997 I was joined in partnership by David Rolfe.
I am experienced in all residential and rural conveyancing, subdivisions, family trusts, charitable trusts, estate planning, elder law, family law and relationship property issues.
Outside the law, I am a keen family man with a blended family of adult children, three girls and a boy and recently a much loved grandson. My interests include small block farming, being an active member of the Warkworth Lions’ Club and playing hockey for Rodney in the Whangarei Senior Men’s Competition. With my wife Sally I am a keen overseas traveller, scuba diver and member of the Mahurangi Wine & Food Club.
Jackie Woolerton LLM / Lawyer/Director
I graduated from Otago University in 1992. I gained legal experience and an insight into consumer and competition law working at the Commerce Commission. I later completed a Masters in Law at Canterbury University completing a dissertation in de facto property law.
I have worked for small to medium size law firms in the Bay of Plenty and Warkworth, and worked as an in-house lawyer for Victoria Legal Aid in Melbourne. I have obtained a good grounding in family law and civil litigation as well as a broader understanding of property and business matters.
I enjoy practicing in the areas of relationship property, family law, family trusts and asset planning. I joined John Allen in Partnership in 2007 and have enjoyed adding a more business orientated approach to my practice. I am now pleased to be a part of Town and Country Law Ltd.
I keep up to date with the latest developments in the law. I am an excellent listener, enjoy discussing scenarios with clients and finding practical resolutions. I enjoy helping people at difficult times in their lives such as separation.
I am a member of the NZ Law Society’s Property Law Section and Family Law Section. I enjoy a challenge and have taken time out to travel. Highlights have been trekking to Mt Everest base camp and cycling through France. I am now well settled in Leigh and love the recreational pursuits the area has to offer and the sense of community.
Other activities include being a committee member of the Leigh Fishing Contest Incorporated (a charitable organisation) and President of Business and Professional Women Warkworth Inc.
Vernita Green / Legal Executive
I graduated as a Legal Executive in 1998 and have mainly practiced in residential, rural and commercial conveyancing and estates. I enjoy contact with clients and aim to help them complete their affairs with as little stress as possible.
In April 2000 I moved to Warkworth from Auckland where I had worked in a medium sized law firm for 7 years. After moving to Warkworth I worked with John Allen at Jackson Russell and then later in 2005 I joined John once again at Warkworth Law.
I am an outgoing and friendly person and love to travel. I really enjoy living in the Warkworth region with its community spirit and beautiful scenery. I like to spend time boating and fishing, in the winter skiing and I also love to cook.
Deborah Richards / Registered Legal Executive
I commenced my legal career later in life after joining the staff at Corboy Wilson Rolfe & Co when I moved to Wellsford in 2003. Originally training in the fields of Accountancy and Computer Engineering I gained my Legal Executive qualification in 2006. I was admitted as an Associate of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives in 2007.
Although specialising in estate administration I am experienced in all areas of conveyancing, subdivisions, estate planning and family trusts.
My partner and I own and run a beef farm on the Oruawharo peninsula. Being a keen horsewoman and running the farm keeps me very busy outside of the legal profession.
Shara Green / Legal Executive
I joined Town & Country Law in February 2011 as a Legal Executive, job sharing with Vernita Green. The areas of law I work in include property law, trust law, elder law and estates. I have over eight years experience working in Auckland law firms. I am a friendly approachable person with exceptional organisational skills and attention for detail.
I enjoy working with our clients to achieve their goals as smoothly and stress free as possible.
I have recently moved to Leigh from Auckland and am thoroughly enjoying living in the Rodney district with its outstanding scenery, beaches and community spirit.
In my spare time I enjoy shopping at farmers markets, gardening, walking and relaxing wth my family and friends.