YOUNG HUNTER - Key Persons
Austin is an Associate in our litigation and disputes resolution team. He provides advice with employment, immigration, and criminal law issues.
Why our clients choose Austin: Our clients value Austin for his attention to detail and excellent communication skills, derived from years spent in customer facing roles. He supports clients with his ability to think big picture, meaning that all avenues for resolving an issue are explored.
Austin's journey: Austin is originally from Christchurch. He completed a BA and LLB with first class honours in 2020 from the University of Canterbury. He studied French and political science alongside his law degree.
Austin joined Young Hunter in August 2020. He previously clerked at two other Christchurch firms, gaining experience in private client and commercial settings. He was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in March 2021.
Austin's values: Austin values the relationships he builds with his clients. Each client is more than just a legal problem which needs solving. Working in the immigration area, Austin enjoys learning more about our clients' many and varied cultures and backgrounds. He values being able to assist clients to find their best outcome.
Briar is a Law Clerk in Young Hunter's corporate and commercial team.
Briar's journey: Briar was born and raised in Christchurch. She graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Science majoring in Psychology in 2023. Briar joined Young Hunter as a Law Clerk in 2024.
Briar's values: Briar values honesty and integrity in both her professional and personal dealings. She believes these values are fundamental to developing positive enduring relationships.
Bridget is a special counsel in our litigation and dispute resolution team. She provides advice and representation on insurance law, estate, trust and relationship property disputes, resource management prosecutions, health and safety issues, and a wide variety of contractual disputes. Bridget particularly enjoys cases involving engineering, construction or technical issues, as well as those involving estates and trusts.
Catherine (or Cath) is a lawyer in Young Hunter's litigation and dispute resolution team. She provides advice about insurance issues, and acts on negligence and contract disputes.
Why our clients choose Cath: Our clients recognise Cath's dedication to assisting them and they value her availability and responsiveness. Cath's ability to identify the important facts and absorb them quickly gives clients confidence in the legal advice she gives. They value her attention to detail, her considered, insightful approach to problem solving, and her tenacity.
Chris is a consultant in our corporate and commercial team. Chris thrives on complex negotiations and transactions. He delivers outstanding results.
Why our clients choose Chris: Chris is a deal maker, who brings parties together. Chris considers the transaction and wider picture, creating solutions that work for all parties. He is a skilled drafter of complex documents, whilst aware his clients want legal issues presented to them in a way that ensures a clear understanding of what is involved.
He maintains constant communication with his clients, ensuring peace of mind and demonstrating focus on their needs. As a result, he develops high level trust as his clients' legal adviser.
Chris' journey: UK born and New Zealand raised, he became a partner in 1999 and was the firm's finance partner for seven years. Chris steered the firm's finances following the Christchurch earthquakes and created a predictive cashflow model, enhancing the firm's performance. He retired from the partnership in 2020.
Chris is a partner in our litigation and dispute resolution team. He provides advice and representation on insurance issues, negligence, contract, commercial property, building and construction disputes. Chris is recognised by Best Lawyers in New Zealand as a leading lawyer in the field of insurance law. Chris also has a large medico-legal practice regularly advising and appearing for ACC.
Why our clients choose Chris: Chris has the ability to quickly get the crux of any dispute and to provide accurate, honest and pragmatic advice. He has a good understanding of his clients' businesses and excellent legal judgement. As an advocate Chris is fearless and tenacious and has been described as the lawyer that you want to have in your corner in any dispute.
Chris's journey: Chris grew up and went to school in Christchurch and gained his law degree from Canterbury University in 1989. At the start of that year he started working as a solicitor with a Hamilton law firm where he obtained broad litigation experience in a variety of areas including resource management, employment, insolvency and general civil and commercial. Chris also developed a large criminal practice acting for clients throughout the Waikato.
In 1997 Chris returned to Christchurch and took up a position with Young Hunter, becoming a partner in 2002. While maintaining a broad civil, commercial and criminal practice, since the early 2000s Chris has specialized in the areas of insurance law and accident compensation. His clients include IAG New Zealand Limited (trading under the State, NZI, AMI and Lumley brands) and the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). Chris has been significantly involved in dealing with insurance claims arising out of the Christchurch earthquakes, acting for both property owners and insurers.
Chris has always had an active involvement in community work, including providing legal advice to the St Albans Residents Association, serving on the St Albans School Board of Trustees (including as chairperson), and working as a volunteer lawyer providing legal advice through the Christchurch Community Law Centre.
Chris has previously lectured and tutored at the Canterbury Law School and has been a member of the faculty at the New Zealand Law Society Litigation Skills Programme since 2010. He is a former council member of both the Waikato Bay of Plenty and Canterbury District Law Societies and has served on a number of law society committees. Chris is a former contributing editor of Brookers Personal Injury in New Zealand, the leading ACC text.
Chris's values: Chris is a firm believer in the Law Society moto "to be just and fear not". He is highly principled and a fearless advocate in pursuing his client's cause. Chris has very strong social and moral values which he brings to his legal practice.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Solicitor
- Solicitor in
James is an Associate in our litigation and dispute resolution team. He advises clients in a wide range of employment, family, and civil litigation disputes.
Why our clients choose James: James gets to the heart of the issue quickly while also understanding the holistic perspective. He excels at providing resolution focused advice in an honest and pragmatic way. James understands that a dispute can be stressful, and he ensures that he makes the process for his clients as stress free as possible.
James's journey: James was born and bred in Christchurch. He completed his LLB in 2018 and his BCom with a double major of accounting taxation and finance in 2019 from the University of Canterbury. After graduating, James moved to Timaru and began his career in law. The two years James spent in Timaru exposed him to a large variety of work and hands on experience in Court. James moved back to Christchurch in 2022 and joined the team at Young Hunter.
Outside of work, James loves the outdoors. James is an avid white-water kayaker, scuba diver, skier and snowboarder, and rock climber. James also has a passion for music having taught drums and been in a band while he was studying.
James's values: What you see is what you get with James. Honesty and building long lasting working relationships with clients are the two biggest values for James. He will have a candid conversation with you but will also be a fierce advocate for your position.
Claudia is a solicitor in Young Hunter's litigation and dispute resolution team.
Claudia's journey: Claudia was born and raised in Nelson and moved to Christchurch to study at the University of Canterbury in 2018. She graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics. She joined the Young Hunter team as a Law Clerk in 2023 and is now a Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand.
Claudia's values: Claudia is looking forward to developing strong working relationships with her clients. She values clear and honest communication and is passionate about providing comprehensive and accessible advice to future clients. Claudia is passionate about helping others and seeing them achieve their best possible outcomes.
Courtney's journey: Courtney graduated from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Laws in 2018 and was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in June 2019. In 2011, prior to completing her law degree, Courtney obtained a Bachelor of Arts majoring in International Relations and Political Science from Victoria University of Wellington.
Before joining Young Hunter in 2024, Courtney worked for a medium sized law firm in Christchurch for five and a half years. Courtney is a legal aid provider for family law matters and is regularly appointed as Lawyer to Assist in the Family Court.
Courtney's values: Courtney values honesty and the relationships she builds with her clients. Courtney understands what is at stake with each case and considers it a privilege to assist her clients to achieve the best possible outcomes for them and their family.
Courtney's expertise includes: Care of Children Act matters, Family Violence, Orders Preventing Removal of a child from New Zealand, Oranga Tamariki, Relationship Property, Contracting Out Agreements, Paternity.
Daniel is a partner in our litigation team. He advises clients on civil and commercial disputes, with particular expertise in insolvency, company disputes, insurance, and trust and estate disputes. He has appeared successfully at all levels of the New Zealand Court system, including the Supreme Court.
Why our clients choose Daniel: Our clients value Daniel for his pragmatism and realism. He understands that litigation can be costly and stressful, and he sees it as his job to help minimise this, while achieving the best possible results.
Daniel's journey: Originally from the UK, Daniel has lived in New Zealand for over twenty years. He holds an honours degree in law from the University of Canterbury, where he also studied history. He retains close ties to the University to this day, having previously tutored at the law school, and regularly returns to judge competitions.
He joined Young Hunter as a graduate in 2008, and has never looked back. He joined the partnership in April 2019.
Outside of law, Daniel enjoys getting into the outdoors, and aspires to complete Te Araroa at some point in the future.
Daniel's values: Daniel's approach involves closely understanding his clients' needs, identifying their goals, and developing a strategy to achieve them. He places great emphasis on transparency with clients about the strengths and weaknesses of their case, which underpins the realism and pragmatism that he brings.
Deborah oversees the non-legal operations of Young Hunter. She works closely with our Partners to drive the firm forward. Technology, HR and finance are just some of the areas she deals with.
Deborah's journey: She has worked in the legal industry for more than 20 years in the roles of office management and trust accounting.
After working for Young Hunter from 1994 to 2007 she took time off to raise her two sons. Deborah returned to the work force in 2013 and re-joined Young Hunter in November 2022.
Deborah's values: Deborah has a passion for making sure that the right systems and processes are in place. She believes leadership and building relationships with staff, clients and external consultants builds the foundation for great business.
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- Member of the New Zealand Law Society
Duncan is a consultant in the commercial, property and immigration teams.
He provides advice on a wide range of legal areas including all aspects of residential and commercial property transactions, subdivisions, corporate, securities, commercial leasing, succession and estate planning, family trusts and estate administration. Duncan has a particular expertise in all aspects of the New Zealand Immigration visa system from both employer's perspective seeking to employ migrant workers to the migrant worker their families and partners of New Zealand residents or citizens.
Duncan has been a member of the New Zealand Law Society property section for a number of years.
Why our clients choose Duncan: Duncan has a wealth of experience and knowledge behind his decades of legal practice. His values his clients time as being extremely important to them and uses his skills as an excellent communicator to simplify what can often be complex and complicated legal issues to ensure a timely, cost effective and practical result for his clients.
Duncan's journey: Duncan gained his law degree in 1988 from the University of Canterbury. After gaining his degree worked for 12 months in a medium size law firm in Christchurch before moving with his family to Timaru where he worked for the next 3 years in the Crown Law office providing advice to the Port Authority and a number of local councils prior to their amalgamations in the mid 1990's.
Duncan moved back to Christchurch in 1993 to work for a Christchurch law firm where he became a consultant partner. He joined another Christchurch law firm in 2002 where he became an owner and Director for 21 years before recently joining Young Hunter as a consultant in 2023.
Aside from his legal work, Duncan values time with his family including his wife, 2 sons and his new grandson. Duncan enjoys his bike riding and is often off on his e-bike around the countryside with his friends.
Duncan's values: Duncan believes in building and maintaining strong professional relationships with his clients. Duncan has had a long legal career and takes great pride in being able to assist now not only many of his original clients but their children and their families. He has a passion for property and commercial work but as a specialist immigration lawyer is delighted to advise his clients when their residence of work visas have been approved. Such results can often be life changing for many of these new migrant clients.
Gerard is a senior associate at Young Hunter heading our employment (advisory + dispute resolution) team. He has considerable experience representing employers and employees in all aspects of employment law including employment agreements, independent contractor arrangements, employment policies, restructuring and redundancy, employment investigations, privacy law, discrimination, bullying, harassment, dispute resolution (litigation) and complex settlement negotiations. Gerard is an experienced litigator, regularly appearing as an advocate in employment-related litigation. Gerard is also a regular media commentator on employment law issues (including for the National Business Review).
Why our clients choose Gerard: Our clients choose Gerard for his solutions-focused and client-centred approach. He engages with clients at their level demonstrating empathy and understanding for their circumstances. Gerard appreciates that employment issues and disputes can be costly and stressful and focuses on achieving the best possible outcomes for clients in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
Gerard's journey: Gerard has previously worked for national and international law firms practising employment law and litigation. He holds a first-class honours degree in law from the Auckland University of Technology as well as bachelor's and master's degrees in education from the University of Auckland - where he also studied history.
Outside of law, Gerard enjoys travel, open-water swimming, coaching, tennis and walking his greyhound on the beach.
Gerard's values: Gerard's approach involves understanding his clients' needs, identifying their goals, and working towards achieving them. He focuses on risk-management with a clear assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of a client's case and setting out the best options for an early resolution.
Ian is a consultant in our litigation and dispute resolution team. Ian has extensive experience in a wide range of civil and commercial litigation areas, and currently specialises in company, insurance, medico-legal, professional discipline, trust and estate, and sports law.
Ian has regularly appeared in the District Court, Employment Court, Environment Court, High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court. Ian also has extensive experience in mediation and arbitration and has appeared before the international Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the Sports Tribunal of New Zealand, the Employment Relations Authority and the Human Rights Review Tribunal. He is a contributing editor of Brookers Personal Injury in New Zealand, and has consistently been recognised by Best Lawyers in New Zealand as a leading lawyer in the fields of insurance law and sports law, and by Chambers & Partners Asia- Pacific Guide for sports Law.
Why our clients choose Ian: Our clients appreciate Ian's accurate and realistic advice, his ability to develop a clear strategy to achieve their objectives, and the judgement and skills acquired from a broad background of experience and expertise in different areas of the law. They also value his communication skills and his determination to achieve the best result for his clients.
Ian's background: Ian graduated from the University of Canterbury in 1983 and was admitted as a barrister and solicitor in 1984. After commencing practice in Invercargill, Ian worked in London before returning to Christchurch and joining Young Hunter, becoming a partner in 1992. During a sabbatical in the UK 1997 - 1999, Ian practised in Oxford and Reading, obtained a Post Graduate Certificate in Sports Law from King's College, London in 1998, and was admitted as a Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales in 1999. Ian retired from the Young Hunter partnership in August 2023.
Ian is active within the legal community and wider community, with particular interests in governance, sport and professional discipline.
Ian was the President of ANZSLA (Australian and New Zealand Sports Law Association), from 2007 - 2012, a director of Swimming New Zealand from 2012 - 2014, and a member of the FINA (Federation Internationale de Natation) Ethics Panel from 2013 - 2017. Ian was the President of Broken River Ski Club from 2011 - 2017, and he has been an Association Commissioner for New Zealand Cricket since 2002.
Ian was a director of HPSNZ (High Performance Sport New Zealand) from 2015 - 2021 and was appointed as a director of Snow Sports NZ in September 2022. He is currently a member of a number of international sporting tribunals and bodies, including: the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS); the World Athletics Disciplinary Tribunal; Sport Resolutions International Panel (UK); the FINA ad hoc Legal Committee; and the FIA Anti-Doping Committee.
Ian was a member of the Canterbury District Law Society Complaints Committee from 2003 - 2008, the Convenor of a New Zealand Law Society Standards Committee from 2008 - 2017, and he has been a member of the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal since 2019.
Zoe is a solicitor in our corporate and commercial team. She is involved in an array of property, commercial and private client matters including residential and commercial conveyancing, property development, construction projects, trusts and wills.
Why our clients choose Zoe: Our clients value Zoe for her ability to explain complex areas of the law in a way that clients can understand, allowing them to be fully involved in the process. Zoe's empathetic and approachable nature enables her to understand her clients and provide practical, timely advice.
Zoe's journey: Zoe was born and raised in Christchurch. She graduated from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Laws in 2021. Zoe joined Young Hunter in 2022 and was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in June 2022.
James is a partner in our commercial team. He provides advice in relation to commercial property acquisitions, property development and sales, and commercial leasing across all sectors of the economy. He has particular expertise in front-end construction projects, construction financing and property development. He also advises on private client matters with a particular interest in trusts, wills and estates, succession planning and asset protection.
Why our clients choose James: James has worked in an extremely competitive and demanding environment which requires the highest of very legal and professional standards. It is these types of environments that provide the most motivation and satisfaction in what he does. He can provide a pragmatic approach to problem solving while maintaining an ongoing commitment to provide a personalised and professional service.
James's journey: James gained his law degree and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Canterbury in 2004. After being admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, he joined a medium law firm in Central Otago where he worked for six years. After returning to Christchurch in 2011, he worked for two large law firms before joining Young Hunter in 2022. James became a partner in April 2022.
James's values: James builds a natural rapport when communicating with his clients. He is self motivated with a strong drive to achieve key objectives for those clients. He has a passion for property and commercial law with a strong desire to achieve the best outcomes for his clients
Janette is a legal PA in our litigation and dispute resolution team. She supports Chris Hlavac, Bridget Read, Gerard Elwell, Megan Gall, Claudia Hillman, and Suyoun Jung.
Janette's journey: Janette has many years' experience working in law firms in both Dunedin and Christchurch and joined Young Hunter in 2017.
Janette's values: Janette's attention to detail and team approach ensures the best service is provided to clients.
Jennifer oversees the daily processes and transactions of the Young Hunter Trust Account. Credit control, client funds and monthly processes are just some of the areas she deals with.
Jennifer is a positive and enthusiastic member of staff who likes to problem solve and enjoys the daily routine and structure of her work.
She has been the sole charge Trust Account Administrator at Young Hunter for many years and has a vast knowledge of the NZLS Trust Account rules and regulations.
Jennifer values: She has a high level of integrity and honesty, and believes that any stressful situation can be dealt with in a calm and collected manner. She is always willing to help clients and colleagues where possible and has an eye for detail and precision.
Jess is a legal PA in our corporate and commercial team, assisting James Murphy, Chris Cooper, and Tony Kiesanowski.
Jess' Journey: Jess moved from Auckland to Christchurch in 2017 to study teaching at the University of Canterbury. After deciding it wasn't the right path for her she began working as an office junior at another Christchurch Law Firm and has recently completed her Legal Executive Diploma. Jess started with Young Hunter as a personal assistant in May 2022. She now works closely with James Murphy and Chris Cooper.
Jess' Values: Jess is a team player and is driven to provide as much assistance as she can to each client.
Judy is a legal PA in our corporate and commercial team, assisting Keely Marbeck, Valerie Lee, Justine Ackroyd and Michael Toomey.
Judy's Journey: Judy started her legal career in Europe as a judge assistant and court reporter in the Criminal Division of the District Court. She previously worked in legal practices in Christchurch and joined Young Hunter in October 2023.
Judy's Values: Judy is dedicated and open-minded. She gets across to people and adjusts to changes with ease. She believes that a person should work on developing their professional skills and leaning new things all the time, she is always happy to help.
Job Titles:
- Senior Legal Executive
- Senior Registered Legal Executive
Justine is Senior Registered Legal Executive in our corporate and commercial team. Justine primarily assists clients with residential, rural and commercial property sales and purchases. Justine also undertakes work in relation to acquisitions and disposals of Crown Land including Public Works Act dealings.
Why our clients choose Justine: Our clients value the 'tell it like it is' way she delivers the information they request.
Justine's journey: Justine qualified as a Legal Executive in 1988 and has worked with Young Hunter for over 25 years. Justine is an Associate Member of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives.
Justine values: Justine enjoys providing practical advice to clients, without the guff. She is down to earth and approachable.
Karen is our Thursday/Friday receptionist and is always happy to greet you.
Karen's journey: With a passion for classic cars, Karen came to Young Hunter in 2008 from roles in the motor vehicle industry. Karen brings a breadth of experience across multiple industries, but the one thing that has stayed the same, is her relentless dedication to client care, driven by her perfectionist nature.
Karen's values: Karen cares about process, and doing things the right way. She is driven by being her very best self, and looking after everyone in the Young Hunter family.
Keely is a partner in our commercial and property team. She provides advice on a broad range of legal matters including residential and commercial conveyancing, subdivisions, disposal of Crown land, leasing, company structuring and restructuring, estate planning and asset protection, trusts and wills. Keely is an Accredited property specialist of the Property Law Section of the NZ Law Society.
Why our clients choose Keely: Our clients value Keely for her broad commercial knowledge, and her pragmatic and logical approach to their affairs. She not only has the knowledge, but knows how to apply it. She supports our clients by ensuring transactions are carried out in the most efficient way possible, and that there is good communication at all stages of the process.
Keely's journey: Keely graduated from Victoria University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration, and in 1997 with a Bachelor of Laws. In 2001, Keely joined us at Young Hunter. She became a partner at Young Hunter in 2010.
Keely's values: It is important to Keely to build a personal connection with her clients. She likes to get alongside her clients to fully understand their needs and then work with them to achieve their goals.
Kerri is a legal PA in our corporate and commercial team, assisting Duncan Macintyre, Valerie Lee, Liz Robb, Michelle Rossiter, Emily Dwight, Theresa Fitzsimmons, and Zoe Gilpin.
Kerri values the clients of the firm and develops a good rapport with them. She is very approachable and lends a sympathetic ear to those who call for assistance.
Kerri's journey: Kerri is a true Cantabrian, born and raised right here in Christchurch. She has travelled extensively overseas and brings with her international legal experience.
Kerri has worked in the legal profession since 1987 (apart from leaving to have family for several years).
Kerri's values: Work hard - play hard. Kerri strives to be the very best that she can be and is ready, willing and able to assist in any task given to her.
When Kerri is not at work, she is spending quality time with her family either at the beach or local parks. She is a true one-eyed Cantabrian and proud to be a Kiwi.
Kiah is a Legal PA in our corporate and commercial team. She actively assists Duncan Macintyre, Liz Robb, Valerie Lee, Michelle Rossiter, Briar McLintock, Zoe Gilpin and Theresa Fitzsimmons.
Kiah's journey: Kiah started as an office assistant in a large Christchurch law firm in 2014 and then moved out to North Canterbury and worked in a smaller firm. Kiah joined Young Hunter as a Legal personal assistant in June 2023.
Kiah's values: Kiah will always look to help others as teamwork is a vital part of a workplace.
Lauren is our Monday to Wednesday receptionist. She prides herself on her client and staff relationships and her glass half full attitude.
Lauren's passion is people.
Lauren's journey: Lauren spent 15 years living in the UK and worked for Ashurst's who are part of the Silver Circle. This is a group of elite corporate law firms headquartered in London.
Lauren joined Young Hunter in 2007 on her return home and helped organise the Young Hunter Jubilee in the October of the same year.
Lauren takes care of everyone that is part of the Young Hunter family, and drives her passion for people through her membership on the Young Hunter Well-being Committee.
Lauren's values: Exemplary client care, empathy, and is a cultural pillar for workplace wellbeing.
Leisa is a Legal PA in our litigation and dispute resolution team. She actively works with Ian Hunt, Daniel Weatherley, Catherine Jamieson, Greer Collinson, and James Watson.
Leisa's journey: Leisa joined Young Hunter in 1993 as an office junior and since then has worked for a number of years as a personal assistant within the litigation team.
Leisa's values: Leisa enjoys working at Young Hunter and with her many years experience strives to ensure the best service is provided to clients.
Liz is currently on maternity leave and will return to the office in February 2025.
Liz is a senior associate in our commercial team. She provides advice with property, trusts, succession planning, and corporate and commercial issues.
Why our clients choose Liz: Our clients value Liz' practical and knowledgeable advice which is delivered on time and in plain English.
Liz's journey: Liz joined Young Hunter in 2011 after studying Law at Canterbury University. She was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in September 2011.
Liz's values: Liz understands how stressful it can be to buy or sell a property or business, and how important it is to ensure matters like succession planning are fitting for the individual concerned and their family. Liz strives to ensure that every client is listened to, supported, and well advised throughout their dealings with Young Hunter.
Megan is a Partner in our litigation and dispute resolution team. She advises clients on most aspects of commercial disputes with a particular expertise in insurance and construction litigation.
Why our clients choose Megan: Our clients appreciate the positivity and enthusiasm that Megan brings to her work. Even with the most contentious disputes, Megan has a calming and reassuring outlook, and always talks to clients so they know exactly what's happening, and what to expect next.
Megan's journey: Megan joined Young Hunter in 2012 while she was completing her qualifications at the University of Canterbury. After graduating with a LLB and BSc (Biological Sciences) she was admitted in 2013. Megan joined the Partnership at Young Hunter in April 2024.
Outside of work, Megan loves the outdoors. With a degree in biology, Megan has a great interest in environmental issues and conservation.
Megan's values: Megan's focus is to ensure that her clients receive great service, delivered with attention to detail and a focus on the ultimate outcome. Naturally upbeat, she wants her clients to feel that they have a dedicated advocate on their side.
Michael retired as a Partner in 2019, and is now a consultant in our commercial team. His experience covers estate planning, trusts, commercial and company law, estate administration, property and sports law.
Why our clients choose Michael: Michael provides deep institutional knowledge and has significant experience in private client work. While our clients value Michael for his understanding of the areas in which he practises, they find further value and appreciate the knowledge and understanding he has of the various client dynamics and structures, be they commercial or personal relationships. He has come to be a trusted adviser to his clients (including multiple generations of various families) over many years.
Michael's journey: Michael joined Young Hunter in 2008, when he merged his practice with that of Young Hunter. He graduated from the University of Otago in 1975 and has been a partner in legal firms in both Dunedin and Christchurch.
Michelle is an Associate - Registered Legal Executive in our corporate and commercial team. Michelle provides advice in areas of buying and selling property, wills and powers of attorney, rest home and retirement village agreements, estate administration, trusts and asset protection.
Why our clients choose Michelle: Our clients value the personal approach Michelle gives to her clients and the approachable down to earth way she delivers the information they request. They also value the range of knowledge that she has derived from over 35 years as a Legal Executive.
Michelle's journey: Michelle obtained her Legal Executive Certificate early in her career and has over the last 35 years accumulated the knowledge and experience that comes with a life-long career in the profession.
Michelle qualified as a legal executive in 1984. After working for Young Hunter in the 1990s she took time off from law to raise her two daughters. Michelle returned to the work force in 2006 and re-joined Young Hunter in May 2013. Michelle is a Fellow Member of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives and is an Associate - Registered Legal Executive at Young Hunter.
Michelle's values: Michelle values the on-going personal connection she has with her clients and their families and is always looking for ways to build on that relationship so she can assist them in their property, asset management and estate planning goals to ensure the best solutions for their futures.
Simon is a partner in our civil and commercial litigation team. He provides advice and representation with respect to all aspects of immigration litigation, including deportation appeals, refugee and protected person appeals, residence appeals, immigration fraud and High Court appeals. In addition, Simon deals with criminal charges and appeals against convictions, employment disputes and prosecutions, health & safety prosecutions, and civil disputes.
Simon is a convenor of the New Zealand Immigration and Refugee Law Committee of the New Zealand Law Society.
Why our clients choose Simon: Our clients value Simon for his deep understanding of dispute resolution and litigation - derived from years of experience representing clients in Tribunals and Courts. His calm nature and strategic thinking provide support to his clients during stressful periods.
Simon's journey: Simon is a native of Ireland with a degree from Nottingham Trent University. Before he moved to New Zealand, he was employed with the Chief State Solicitor's Office in Dublin. He was later assigned to work with the Criminal Assets Bureau where he focused on proceeds of crime prosecutions and extradition.
In 2008, Simon joined us at Young Hunter. He completed transferring his qualifications and was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in February 2009. He became a partner at Young Hunter in 2018.
Simon's values: It is important to Simon to build a personal connection with his clients. He understands what is at stake with every case and is always striving to find new, innovative strategies to achieve excellent outcomes for his clients.
Job Titles:
- Senior Legal Executive
- Senior Registered Legal Executive
Theresa is a Senior Registered Legal Executive in our corporate and commercial team. She assists with property related transactions including first home buyers, crown land (Public Works Act) acquisitions and disposals, and wills, estates & trust administration.
Why our clients choose Theresa: Theresa is able to connect on a personal level with clients as she understands the stress involved with transactions such as a first home purchase, or the emotions involved with an Estate. Theresa strives to ensure her clients understand and are comfortable with each step of the process.
Theresa's journey: Theresa started as a legal secretary at the age of 16 and worked in two smaller suburban firms before joining Young Hunter in 2008. She completed her studies and qualified as a Legal Executive in 2018 and is an Associate Member of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives. Theresa is currently studying towards obtaining her Bachelor of Laws at the University of Canterbury.
Tony is a consultant in our corporate and commercial team.
Why our clients choose Tony: Tony's principal areas of practice are governance, commercialising intellectual property, business acquisitions, restructuring, and succession planning. Tony has advised many businesses on commercialising intellectual property in both the domestic and export sectors.
Tony's journey: For the last twenty years, Tony has held company directorship and advisory board roles across a wide range of businesses. Currently, he is the Chairman of the VCare International Group based in Christchurch and with offices in the Republic of Ireland and Australia. VCare International is New Zealand's top retirement village and aged care facilities software solution provider.
Tony graduated from the University of Canterbury and was admitted as a barrister and solicitor in 1974. He joined Young Hunter that same year and was a partner in the firm from 1980 to 2000.
Valerie is a senior associate in our commercial team. She provides advice with residential and commercial conveyancing, leasing, subdivisions, sale and purchase of business, contracting out agreements and separation, estate planning and asset protection, wills and powers of attorney.
Why our clients choose Valerie: Our clients value Valerie's efficient and pragmatic approach in handling matters. Valerie was born in Hong Kong and is fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. Due to her cultural background, she has close ties to the Chinese community.
Valerie's journey: Valerie was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in July 2012. Valerie joined Young Hunter as a senior associate in 2023 after practicing in a medium sized law firm in Christchurch for over 10 years.
Valerie's values: Valerie values the relationship of trust with her clients. She ensures that her client's requirements and objectives are adhered to and strives to act for her client's best interests.
Zoë is a legal secretary in our litigation team.
Zoë supports Simon Graham, Christine LeBeau and Austin Lange.
Zoë's journey: Zoë began her legal career in Australia where she worked for 7 years. Since then she has returned home to Christchurch and began working at Young Hunter in June 2023.
Zoë's values: Zoë values working to assist clients no matter their background and enjoys working in the varied litigation field.