Christopher Bell
Rōia | Senior Associate
I am an experienced litigator specialising in relationship property, care of children, family violence, and estate and trust disputes. I bring strong advocacy skills, sound judgment, and a calm, solutions-focused approach to every case.
I regularly appear in the Family, District and High Courts, and have also appeared in the Court of Appeal and before various specialist tribunals. I am frequently appointed by the Court to act as Lawyer for Child or as Counsel to Assist the Court—roles I take seriously and approach with independence, care, and integrity.
My particular area of expertise is complex relationship property and estate litigation. I regularly act in high-conflict, high-asset disputes involving trusts, companies and third-party interests. I take a strategic and realistic approach to these disputes, always with an eye to achieving the best outcome for my client — whether that’s through negotiated settlement or litigation.
I enjoy the variety and challenge of my work, particularly where the legal and emotional complexities intersect. I consider it a privilege to help guide people through what is often the most difficult period in their lives. My approach is highly strategic and pragmatic, with a focus on achieving fair and enduring outcomes that reflect my clients’ best long-term interests.
Outside of work, I play football for Naenae FC, enjoy sailing (when the Wellington weather behaves), and am a keen board gamer — especially the long, complicated ones that take all night (or all weekend) to finish.