Our people

Gerard's clients value his strong analytical mind and commercial expertise. He has a unique ability to make the complex, simple.

A smart, approachable, big picture thinker, Gerard is renowned for delivering outcomes that maintain relationships. He seeks to avoid delayed and protracted court proceedings wherever possible.

A highly accomplished lawyer with broad legal expertise, Gerard specialises in commercial and property law, working with companies, charities and private clients.

On the inside, he is the firm’s go-to for a robust challenge, high-level strategic advice, conflict resolution and relationship management guidance.

On the outside, surfboards, guitars and fish are just a little bit afraid of him.

Shaun's clients value how he easily relates to them and understands their goals, before recommending efficient action plans.

Loyal and results focused, Shaun is respected for his vast international property expertise and relationship building abilities. He works hard to ensure his clients get the best out of every situation.

Shaun kicked off his legal career in 2001, focusing on property, commercial law, trusts and estate planning. Today he is well-connected and draws on his deep market knowledge to advise large nationwide and publicly listed companies, SMEs and families, on all types of property transactions, structures and estate planning.

On the inside, he is the firm’s go-to for everything property-related, and anything that requires a level headed response.

On the outside, he is incredibly active, spending time with his young family, carving up the mountains and sea, hitting the green (golf and rugby) and fishing.

Ben’s clients value that he is bright, incisive and determined.

He is a high-level thinker with an analytical mind that enjoys getting immersed in the detail.

He recognises that disputes are as different as the people involved and the solutions to these can be just as varied.

Ben completed a Bachelor of Science and a Masters in Commercial Law, graduating with honours. He has been practicing law since 2003, and today specialises in employment law and civil litigation, acting for both commercial organisations and individuals.

On the inside, he is the firm’s go-to for complex challenges and helping people with people problems.

On the outside, he enjoys family, friends, surfing, and mucking about with yachts.

Amanda’s clients value that she’s astute, commercially savvy and easy to relate to. With a background in psychology, she helps make difficult situations comfortable and drives dialogue when the going gets tough.

A strategic thinker with incredible spirit and vitality, Amanda has practised in family law for almost 20-years, working primarily in the highly specialized areas of relationship property and claims against trusts. A keen listener and insightful reader of people, Amanda is the person you want to contribute to the negotiations when relationships are forming or finishing.

On the inside, she is the firm’s go-to for solving problems; her intuition is her super power.

On the outside, Amanda and her family are sporting it, with either water polo, rugby or CrossFit.

Rob’s clients value his quality approach to service and common sense advice that shines a light on the way forward.

He has an incredible 45-years experience in general law, and for the past 35-years has specialised in property leasing, sales and purchases, acting for a large number of trusts, estate administartion and advising on business structures and operations.

A detail-oriented person who is organised and loyal, Rob works hard to achieve the best for his individual and SME clients, ensuring they have thought of everything to make informed decisions.

On the inside, he is the firm’s go-to when we need specific commercial insights, along with common sense advice and support.

On the outside, he is full of beans - thanks to his extracurricular activities - spending time with his family, competing in multisport and triathlon events and caring for the environment.

Melinda’s clients value her expertise and how she explains everything in plain English.

A friendly, helpful, details person, she is known for getting stuck in and a safe pair of hands when the going gets tough.

Melinda has been in Practice since 1996, using her significant in-house experience to gain valuable insight into how legal advice is used in business. This has made her a prized member of our Commercial team where she specialises in company and commercial law for individuals, SMEs and corporates.

On the inside she’s the go-to for explaining the magic of the commercial world.

On the outside, she’s a water baby, swimming and soaking up beach vibes, and when not with her friends, trains her gifted cat to complete jigsaw puzzles.

Ron’s clients value his passion for business. He anticipates risks and opportunities and simplifies complex legal issues to provide tailored strategic advice.

Whilst he appreciates the global view, he is right at home when collar deep in details, negotiations and project management work.

Ron works with large, privately-owned businesses, SMEs, high-net worth individuals and start-ups. He specialises in commercial law, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, joint venture and shareholders’ agreements, and corporate restructurings. He also advises on property, trust and estate planning matters.

On the inside, he’s the go-to for commercial triage.

On the outside, he enjoys travel and sports, but only if it includes cricket, soccer or tennis.

HIGHTLIGHTS

• Acted for a national waste management business on a range of business acquisitions and divestments and a major restructure
• Advised an investor on the acquisition of an iconic vineyard
• Acted for a family-owned business on the sale of its electrical wholesale business
• Acted for a transport group on its acquisition of several businesses
• Advised on the sale of a minority shareholding in a mobile marketing company
• Acted for a listed agricultural supply business on a major capital raising
• Advised several listed companies on the establishment of their employee share schemes.

A’lanah’s clients value her pragmatic guidance and legal acuity.

Alert and decisive, A’lanah is known for her perfectionism and likes to hone in on the details. When tackling complex problems she considers all possible angles before crafting practical and savvy solutions.

A’lanah has been practicing law since 2008 and today specialises in trusts and estates. She has a breadth of experience in property and commercial law, and has acted for individuals, companies and charitable trusts.

On the inside, she’s the firm’s walking library – we go to A’lanah for anything and everything.

On the outside, A’lanah dabbles in yoga and swimming, is a doting mum, and enjoys the occasional episode of reality TV.

Victoria’s clients value her ability to clearly examine and evaluate disputes, developing sound strategies that best achieve their desired outcomes.

Victoria is always looking for ways to deliver more. A confident, articulate and compassionate lawyer, she is known for her perceptive listening powers and acute negotiation skills. She will make the complex more manageable.

On the inside, she’s the go-to for crystal clear and pragmatic solutions in all areas of family law.

On the outside, she enjoys finding good restaurants, exploring the outdoors with her dog, family and friends and wanderlust with her trusty camera.

Kathryn’s clients value that she is a time management master who uses all of her tools to quickly hone in on what’s important.

Determined and driven, she’s known for her high-level thinking, and achieving outcomes that her clients truly appreciate. Kathryn specialises in civil litigation, including construction disputes and insolvency, and has both private and corporate clients.

On the inside, she’s our go-to for critical litigation advice and creative problem solving.

On the outside, she is constantly challenging herself with trail running, adventure racing and has even competed in Ironman triathlons.

Katie’s clients value her thorough legal analysis and kind and attentive approach. She has a special ability to relate to all people with ease and grace.

Katie works with private clients at the commencement and conclusion of their relationships, demystifying the legal process and bringing a sense of calm to troubled waters.

On the inside, she’s the go-to for common sense advice on personal relationships and family issues.

On the outside, she enjoys sensory pleasures in life, like travelling, entertaining, cooking and exploring the outdoors.

Georgina effortlessly manages to combine kindness and composure into the perfect blend. She quite evidently cares. Clients and other lawyers alike quickly warm to her approach.
Working first as a Crown Prosecutor and then as a litigator, Georgina is well versed in dispute resolution and litigation. She brings a measured and considered approach to negotiation and court proceedings.
With a Masters in Law, and a great deal of life experience, she is intelligent and intuitive. Her advice is always sensible, and inevitably followed.
Georgina is an integral member of our family law team. She handles stressful situations in a thoughtful way.
Around the office she is the firm’s go-to for direct, dependable advice. Outside the office, Georgina can be found travelling, attempting yoga, or dabbling with “kitchen science” – sometimes successfully!

Raj’s clients value his energy, pragmatism, and dedication to their needs.

Analytical and resourceful, he is valued for quickly assessing the big picture before locking in on the finer details.

Raj completed a Bachelor of Laws (honours) and a Bachelor of Commerce. After gaining invaluable life and work experience in Europe, he now specialises in commercial and residential transactions for private clients, companies and trusts in our Commercial and Property team.

On the inside, he’s the go-to for time-sensitive, commercial solutions.

On the outside, he’s constantly moving, packing in as much travel and mountain biking as he possibly can.

Kate’s clients value her effective communication and her down to earth nature. She has the innate ability to get stuff done.

A reliable and robust legal thinker brimming with positivity, she is known for her good instincts and is generous with her time.

Kate advises a range of clients through each part of the transaction with diligence and determination, and is invested in facilitating excellent outcomes every step of the way. From first home buyers to large scale developers, she is well versed in leases, subdivisions, and elder law.

On the inside, she’s the firm’s go-to for tailored property advice that is grounded in good common sense.

On the outside, whilst devoting her time to her young baby girl, she also helps her husband run the family business and squeezes in a bit of tennis where she can.

Simon’s clients value how he rolls up his sleeves to fast-track results and keep things as simple as possible.

He operates both hemispheres of his brain with equal dexterity, and is well known for being friendly, practical and remaining uber-calm under pressure.

Simon completed a Bachelor of Laws and Arts (majoring in Philosophy) and specialises in residential conveyancing, trusts, and asset planning. His humanities training gives him a deeper insight into people and property matters.

On the inside, he’s the go-to for advice on all things property.

On the outside, he enjoys experiencing new places, hanging out with friends and has even taken up learning Spanish.

Georgina’s clients value her empathy and positivity, and find it extraordinary that this never compromises the swift resolution of their matters.

A results-oriented problem solver, Georgina was admitted to the bar in 1997 after completing a Bachelor of Laws and Arts. She lights up when immersed in the world of estates, trusts, Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA) and is an integral part of the Estates and Trusts teams.

On the inside, people seek her help with EPAs, estate and trusts questions, especially when needing to navigate complex gifting arrangements.

On the outside, her children and close friendships ground her, and she confesses to spending far too much money on live gigs.

Jamie-lee’s clients value her practical approach and ability to understand what’s truly important to them. She is expert at thinking on her feet and putting people at ease during stressful times.

Smart, approachable and adaptable, she’s known for her no-nonsense approach and ability to thrive under pressure.

Jamie-lee specialises in civil litigation and employment law for private clients and corporates, resolving disputes on both sides of the playing field.

On the inside she is the go-to for when you need a problem solved, and a friendly ear for some honest advice.

On the outside, she loves to travel, and getting out of her comfort zone by pushing herself to new limits.

Hayden has the important role of overseeing the finances of the firm, trust account and internal procedures. As the Management Accountant, he is valued by staff for his unique ability to seamlessly keep the wheels turning while remaining cool under pressure.

After graduating with a degree in accounting and finance, he is now on the home stretch of attaining his Chartered Accountancy qualification. He is an integral part of the firm, ensuring that he always carefully calculates a situation or problem before diving in.

On the inside he always has time to answer everyone’s questions. He’s our go-to for turning numbers into Plain English, creating spreadsheets and everything in between. He’s a calming influence if a transaction becomes challenging.

On the outside you’ll find him weekend road tripping in Bobby the van, eagerly exploring New Zealand’s finest surf and scenery.

Niccola’s clients value her energy, empathy and attention to detail. And if you don't understand something, she’ll help you get across it.

A dedicated details person, she’s known for being a live wire who is approachable and always interested. Niccola is a key part of our Family Law team, and is famous for being an early bird to get a jumpstart on each day. She believes that if you want anything enough you’ll make it happen.

On the inside, she’s our go-to for research and when anything needs a little more flair.

On the outside, she’s a hands-on person with baking, pottery and self defence. She also studies Te Reo Māori and is a certifiable Wonder Woman fan.

Thomas’ clients value his astute capability to guide them through transactions. He carefully takes the time to build a rapport with clients, in order to gain an in depth understanding of what really matters to them.

Perceptive and diligent, he is known for using his experience and foresight to provide valuable insights and identify potential risks and opportunities for clients. Thomas specialises in property law and private client affairs for individuals, trusts and companies.

On the inside people seek his problem solving skills and ability to draft and scrutinise a range of contracts.

On the outside, he enjoys getting outdoors playing rugby or hiking, and catching up over a drink with friends.

Olivia’s clients value her proactive and warm approach. She is able see the world from a different perspective.

Olivia embarked on her legal career with us after completing her Bachelor of Law with Honours at Auckland University. Her training in the property, commercial, litigation and family teams mean she is able to envision the law from different angles.

On the inside she is our go to if a person needs a helping hand – no job is too small. She views everything as a chance to learn and that excites her.

On the outside, her spice of life is variety – her tendency to try new things means she spontaneously signs up for random classes, has been off-roading, sewed her own kimono and jumped out of a plane.

Melissa’s clients value her humour and the relaxed way she makes difficult topics easily understood.

Organised, analytical, creative and energetic, she readily embraces rules and procedures to underwrite strong legal positions. Melissa specialises in property conveyancing and loves adding value to every process and situation.

On the inside, she’s our go-to for help on complex online dealings and when perfection is only the starting point.

On the outside, she loves gardening, spending time with her pooch, and is such a gaming badass that she writes for Geek Outpost in her spare time.

Sara's clients value her eye for detail and effortless ability to quickly scan documents and spot any gaps before they become an issue.

Methodical, analytical and highly organised, she finds joy in solving problems and translating legal documents into plain language. Sara is a Registered Legal Executive who specialises in trusts, estates and residential conveyancing for individuals and families in our Trusts & Estates team.

On the inside, she's our go-to for anything trust related especially complex gifting arrangements and navigating financial statements.

On the outside, she stays active with netball, relaxes with friends and family, and calls the Coromandel her home away from home.

Pauline is the dedicated Practice Manager who originates from Ireland. Staff and clients value her humour and ability to take the initiative to make things happen.

Fun, positive and caring, Pauline specialises in people management. She has a special Dr. Phil-like ability to deal with all levels of people and problems in the firm.

On the inside she’s highly approachable and always full of good advice, making her the go-to for absolutely everything.

On the outside, she plays Gaelic football and hangs out with family and friends, especially when there’s a glass of wine and sun on offer.