HOLMDEN HORROCKS - Key Persons


Blair Franklin

Job Titles:
  • Partner
Blair specialises in property law (residential and commercial), trusts, estates, asset planning, general commercial matters and personal affairs. Most of his clients are individuals or small businesses. Blair graduated from the Auckland University in 2003 with a conjoint Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Property degree. He became a partner of the firm in 2019. He is Auckland born and raised and has been involved in various administrative and coaching roles at Marist North Harbour Rugby club over a number years.

Brian Somervell

Job Titles:
  • Partner
Brian is Holmden Horrocks' longest serving partner. He began part-time work with the firm in 1968, while still a student at the University of Auckland and has been with Holmden Horrocks ever since. In nearly 50 years with the firm, Brian has acted for, and provided advice to, a diverse range of clients.

Bruno Gin

Job Titles:
  • Partner
Bruno's practice includes property (both commercial and residential), the sale and purchase of businesses, family trusts, wills and estate planning. In 1975, the day after his last exam at the University of Auckland Law School, Bruno commenced his career with Holmden Horrocks as a law clerk, and was made a partner in 1981. His clients are largely individuals and small corporates, and he also supports non-profit organisations with legal advice. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Epsom, and has held various executive positions with the Club in the last few years.

Chris Foote

Chris' legal career began at Holmden Horrocks in the early 1970s, and he has now re-joined us as a consultant after nearly fifty years. Chris practices predominantly in the areas of property, trusts, estate planning, commercial and family law, and he also brings to the firm his extensive experience in civil litigation. Prior to re-joining our firm, Chris was a sole practitioner and partner at Kendall Sturm and Foote, which has been incorporated into Holmden Horrocks. After his initial stint with Holmden Horrocks, Chris qualified to work as a solicitor in England, but he has spent the last 39 years practising in New Zealand, during which time he has served for many years on several Auckland District Law Society practice committees, and is currently the convenor of the Courthouse Liaison Committee.

Grant Robinson

Grant has joined Holmden Horrocks after many years running his own sole practice, Robinson & Co. He has a wealth of experience in private client matters including residential and commercial property transactions, small business transactions, wills, trusts and estates. Grant is based in our Takapuna office.

James McLennan

Job Titles:
  • Partner
James is the firm's litigation and dispute resolution specialist. James graduated from the University of Auckland and was admitted to the Bar in 1995, before joining Holmden Horrocks in 1999. He was appointed to the partnership in 2003. He has appeared on behalf of clients in Courts of different jurisdictions throughout New Zealand. His practice includes work in civil and commercial litigation, including in the insurance and leaky buildings fields, and also encompasses matrimonial and de facto property, family law, intellectual property issues and employment.

Mark Winger

Job Titles:
  • Partner
Mark is highly regarded for his work in the areas of commercial law, corporate law and trusts, and he has acted for the New Zealand Automobile Association, of which he is a Board Member, for over thirty-five years. Mark joined Holmden Horrocks one year after his admission to the Bar in 1977. He also advises on legal matters for a number of charitable organisations, including those operated by the Freemasons of New Zealand, and an Auckland-based Masonic fund.