I graduated from Otago University in 1994 with a BA/LLB and was admitted to the bar in 1995. I have been at Chris’ chambers since 2019, providing advice to our clients on both employment law and in civil litigation. Not one day is ever the same, which I really enjoy at this stage in my career.
I started my career at Bell Gully, then moved to Martelli McKegg where I worked in the Commercial Department as an associate advising on matters such as banking, commercial contracts and business advice, as well as mergers and acquisitions. One of my more rewarding matters at Martelli’s was acting as a commercial negotiator on the Treaty of Waitangi settlement with the Crown and Te Rununga o Ngati Awa resulting in Deed of Settlement with the Crown in 2002. Since then, I have had a diverse career teaching law professionals for a time at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies, training in Digital Marketing and working out of the Icehouse for 5 years, before a return to the law.
Despite not having a litigation background, I find that my significant commercial legal experience and varied career is invaluable in providing practical and sound advice to our clients. The move to litigation has felt like a natural progression and I relish the challenges and rewards that it provides me. In my current position I work in both employment law and general civil litigation.
I am also mum to 3 teenagers who keep me on my toes in every respect and recently we have a new addition to the family, a cavoodle puppy called Ziggy.