About Don

I have practiced law for over 50 years, operating as a sole practitioner for 30 years and as a partner and director for 17 years until retiring from the firm in 2022. I am a qualified Trust Account Supervisor and Landonline Conveyancing Professional.

My previous practice was a well-established law practice that commenced business in 1966 when the original partner opened what was then only the second law office in New Lynn and just the sixth in West Auckland. Subsequent mergers with three other local practices augmented the organic growth we were able to achieve over the years.

The objective of these mergers was to build upon our proud history as a leading West Auckland practice. Bringing together these practices expanded our resources and enhanced client service, fostering sustained growth.

I have provided notarial services since 1977 and continue to provide this service. Visit publicnotary.nz.

In 2022, I was awarded the Queen's Service Medal (QSM) for services to the legal profession and the community.

Now is the time to use my over 50 years' experience to help other practitioners by being available as a locum or consultant.

More About Don

Donald Bruce Thomas
Lawyer & Notary Public
LLB Auckland 1971
Notary Public 1977
QSM (Services to Legal Profession and Community) 2022

University of Auckland
University of New England (Armidale) Legal Practice Management, levels 1 and 2.

Commenced practice in 1971:

• Principal since 1975
• Sole practice 1986 - 2016
• Director Thomas & Co Lawyers Ltd 2016 to 2022

(Merged with Titirangi Law Centre 2017 & David J Brown 2021)
(5 Directors, 5 lawyers, 4 paralegals and 3 support staff)

Legal Consultant & Notary Public 2022 - present

• Originator of NZ Document Exchange (DX) concept
• Originator of/first to introduce facsimile settlement concept
• Leader/early adopter and promoter of technology and systems in legal practices
• First e-capable Notary in New Zealand

Auckland District Law Society Council Member 1979 - 1985

• Auckland District Law Society Presidential Candidate 1982 & 1983

ADLS Forms and Costs Committees 1979 - 1985

• Originator of/first to introduce the scheduled forms concept in own practice and ADLS Forms

Auckland District Legal Aid Committee 1980 - 1985

Occasional seminar presenter for the Law Society — Practice Technology and Practice Management and LINZ e-dealing Roadshow

New Zealand Society of Notaries Council 2014 to present

Personal Interests

• Rugby Referee (15-a-side, sevens, and summer touch)
• Hawke Sea Scouts, Boat Master/Management Committee Chair
• Travel