About
Guiding You Through Life's Defining Chapters
At LAUREL, we guide and empower individuals, couples and families through life’s most significant transitions. Whether you are proactively planning your legacy with Wills and Trusts, or need advice to navigate the legal, financial, and personal nuances of a separation or divorce, you don’t have to face the journey alone.
Our Purpose
Our purpose is to provide a caring alternative to traditional law firms and a grounded separation planning and divorce management alternative.
We blend legal insight with deep compassion and practical support, helping you manage both the emotional weight and the complex logistical challenges of change.
Our Brand
Our name LAUREL, is a nod to our Founder, Lauren, whose name is derived from the same “laurel” tree.
LAUREL is a powerful symbol of the journey we guide you on. Rooted in the ancient laurel wreath awarded to victors, LAUREL represents your path to victory—emerging from life’s complex transitions with security, honour, and renewed strength.
Just as the evergreen laurel tree signifies resilience and shelter, our role is to provide lasting protection and a foundation of peace. We’ll help safeguard you, your family and legacy, transforming periods of uncertainty or conflict into a future of clarity and confident new beginnings.
Our brand logo, is the Laurel wreath–the symbol of success, made from healing, natural leaves. It is designed to convey the circle of life and a sense of momentum.
Our Founder
Lauren Johnston
Hi, I’m Lauren — an enrolled Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand.
Since my admission to the bar in 2011, I’ve worked as a Solicitor and New Zealand trust advisor, supporting individuals and families through some of the most significant transitions in their lives.
I am also an incredibly proud mum to my son. Motherhood has been the most extraordinary ride of my life, and it has deeply shaped my perspective, purpose and passion for helping families.
I started this company to capture everything I loved about practising law. Legacy planning often only becomes a priority during major life changes, but it’s something that can bring tremendous peace and empowerment when approached with care. I always valued this human connection — truly supporting people, offering clarity, and helping them feel grounded during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
Separation planning and divorce management are also deeply important to me. Through my own experience in the divorce and family court system, I gained firsthand insight into how overwhelming the process can feel. I made choices that, in hindsight, were driven by fear, shame, and a lack of preparation. That experience shaped my belief in the value of thoughtful, proactive separation planning and supportive divorce management.
My legal background taught me the importance of precision and clear guidance, but I also came to understand how essential the human element is in navigating personal upheaval. I look forward to working together with you to safeguard you, your assets, loved ones, and to create your new future.