HARMANS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Honorary Solicitor for the Launch Foundation
Alan has practised law at Harmans since 1980 and was appointed a Partner in 1984. He jointly leads our large commercial and property law team, specialising in business and commercial law, franchising, residential and commercial property, trusts and asset protection.
With a deep understanding of the property market and building industry and a wealth of experience working with a wide range of prominent clients, Alan is well-equipped to handle a wide range of complex legal matters, including master planned residential subdivisions, complex title and management arrangements, and the buying, selling, development and financing of commercial, industrial, unit title, rural and multi-unit residential properties throughout New Zealand.
Alan is also actively involved in the Property Council of New Zealand, where he currently sits on the South Island Regional Committee. This demonstrates his commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the property market, and his ability to provide valuable insight and expertise to his clients.
In addition to this, Alan is also the honorary solicitor for the Launch Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to helping underprivileged youth in the Canterbury region by collaborating with building industry businesses to build a home, with proceeds from the sale donated to youth-based organisations. This foundation is a shining example of the power of collaboration and the willingness of individuals to give back to their community.
Some of Alan's recent work/projects include:
Acting for prominent developers creating residential subdivisions in Halswell and Rolleston areas.
Acting for and advising prominent developers building multi-unit complexes in Linwood and Spreydon areas.
Acting for a number of franchisees buying and selling franchises in the South Island.
Acting and advising a franchisee in relation to a default by the franchisor, resulting in rebranding of their business.
Acting for commercial investors buying and selling commercial rental properties in the Wigram and Woolston areas.
Acting for large commercial clients on finance matters for the purchase and building of large-scale residential developments in Christchurch.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Member of the Property Law Section of the New Zealand Law Society
Amy has practised law since 2004, joined Harmans in 2010 and was appointed a Partner at Harmans in 2018. She jointly leads our busy private client team that specialises in property law, business and commercial law, trusts and asset protection matters.
Amy advises clients in relation to the buying and selling of residential and commercial property, leasing, subdivisions, estate planning and asset protection matters. She is experienced in dealing with EQC and insurance issues that impact on the buying and selling of residential property following the Canterbury earthquakes.
Amy is a member of the Property Law Section of the New Zealand Law Society and Canterbury Women's Legal Association, dedicated to keeping up to date with the changes in the legal industry.
Amy is currently on parental leave. Amy's emails are being monitored in her absence, however if you require urgent assistance, please forward your email to Shelly O'Connor at shelly.oconnor@harmans.co.nz or call reception on (03) 379 7835.
Some of Amy's recent work/projects include:
Completing subdivisions, including cross-lease to fee simple conversions as well as multi-stage and unit title subdivisions for several large property developers.
Leasing of commercial property, including retail leases in a major Christchurch shopping mall.
Advising clients in relation to the sale and purchase of residential property, including dealing with the assignment of EQC and insurance claims and related issues.
Advising on the sale and purchase of "as-is-where-is" properties.
Advising in relation to the structuring of asset protection matters including forming and administering family trusts.
Job Titles:
- Legal Secretary
- Support Staff Member
Ange is a very experienced Legal Secretary who has worked in the legal industry since 1996. Ange joined Harmans in 2021.
Ange provides support to Brian Burke and the wider litigation and disputes resolution team who specialise in civil and commercial litigation, insolvency and debt recovery, insurance litigation, estate litigation, PPPR Act applications and employment disputes.
Ange brings a wealth of experience and knowledge, with a diverse background in various areas of the law having worked for law firms in Timaru, Christchurch, South Australia and for the Scottish Government in Glasgow as a Presenting Paralegal in the Appeals Tribunals. Her approach to work is centred on providing the best possible service to our clients.
Further to her experience, Ange is also a published children's author, having authored the books "Sheila's Big Adventure" and "A VIP in Billabong Creek".
Anne is one of our dedicated and experienced Trust Accountants with over 30 years of experience in the legal industry. Anne joined Harmans in 2004.
Anne is responsible for maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements of the firm's trust account. She is highly organised, detail-oriented and has a strong understanding of all aspects of trust accounting procedures.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Canterbury Young Professionals Organisation
- Senior Lawyer
Ben joined Harmans in January 2022, after graduating from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Laws in 2018 and gaining valuable experience at another law practice in Christchurch. He was appointed a Senior Lawyer in November 2022.
Ben is a member of our esteemed litigation and dispute resolution team. He is a skilled lawyer in litigation and dispute resolution, traffic offences, insurance and employment law, and has appeared in the District Court, High Court and Canterbury Earthquake Insurance Tribunal.
Ben has a special interest in technology and is committed to assisting the firm in the research and implementation of innovative solutions. He enjoys working on complex disputes involving new and novel technology such as cryptocurrency, AI and smart-contracts.
Ben is a member of the Canterbury Young Professionals organisation.
Brian has practised law since 1993, joined Harmans in 1999 and was appointed a Partner in 2002. He jointly leads our litigation and disputes resolution team.
With extensive experience in the field of civil litigation and dispute resolution, Brian is able to provide clients with excellent advice and representation in estate, trust and property disputes (land, leases and construction), banking and insurance law and resource management law.
Brian has appeared in most jurisdictions including the Court of Appeal, High Court, District Court, Family Court, Environment Court, the Liquor Licensing Authority, Employment Tribunal, Canterbury Earthquakes Insurance Tribunal and the Weathertight Homes Tribunal.
Brian has presented estate litigation papers at seminars held by the New Zealand Law Society and LexisNexis. He has a special interest in wills and trusts litigation, particularly in relation to the ageing population. He is on the committee of the Christchurch Elder Law Special Interest Group.
Brian has also been a trustee and board member for various organisations over the years, associated with community and conservation projects.
Some of Brian's recent work/projects include:
Acting for and advising client on substantial Canterbury earthquake claim, with optimum settlement reached.
Acting in numerous high-profile Estate and Trust cases involving large scale business assets and rural properties throughout New Zealand.
Acting for and advising insurance broker in dispute with insurer in relation to professional indemnity cover.
Acting for and advising shareholder in major company dispute.
Acting for and advising tenant on scope of maintenance obligations for a large motel.
Acting as an arbitrator in a dispute between lessor and lessee of a hotel, successfully coming to an agreement.
Job Titles:
- Office Assistant
- Receptionist
Brittany is our Office Assistant and Afternoon Receptionist who joined Harmans in 2022, where she was first introduced to the legal industry. She has quickly become a valuable member of our administration team.
Brittany will be one of the welcoming faces when you arrive at Harmans. She is passionate about ensuring that every client has a pleasant experience from the very first moment they walk through the door.
Catherine (preferred name Taff) joined Harmans in January 2004, after graduating from the University of Otago in 2003 with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Film and Media Studies). Taff is a Senior Associate in our large commercial and property law team.
Taff specialises in banking and finance, commercial and residential property, trusts and asset protection. She has extensive experience with commercial and business transactions and advising clients on appropriate business structures.
Charlotte joined Harmans in January 2022, after completing her studies at the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Laws. Her academic achievements and great attitude secured her a place at Harmans, where she began her career as a law clerk. Charlotte was Admitted to the Bar and became a Lawyer in September 2022.
She has quickly established herself as a valuable member of the family law team who specialise in:
relationship property and spousal maintenance disputes.
the protection of assets prior to a relationship.
the division of assets upon separation including personally owned assets, companies and trusts.
care of children, guardianship and family violence disputes.
Charlotte is also a Supervised Legal Aid Provider.
Charlotte is actively involved in the legal community and is a member of Canterbury Women's Law Association, New Zealand Law Society Family Law Section and Family Courts Association of New Zealand (Christchurch). She is committed to keeping up to date with changes in the legal industry.
In addition to her legal expertise, Charlotte has a keen interest in film and is completing a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Film Studies, alongside her work at Harmans.
Job Titles:
- Personal Assistant
- Support Staff Member
Chelsea is an experienced Personal Assistant and has worked in the legal industry since 2018, having joined Harmans that year.
Chelsea provides support to Colin Abernethy and the wider family law team who specialise in the protection of assets prior to a relationship, the division of assets upon separation including personally owned assets, companies and trusts, together with all care of children disputes and family violence matters.
In addition to her organisational and administrative skills, Chelsea is an active and dedicated individual. She gives back to her community by coaching junior netball, also being an avid player of the sport. She is actively involved in playing dodgeball, both on a social and representative level. This experience has developed her leadership skills and ability to work with a diverse range of people which make her a valued asset to the team, handling client enquiries promptly and with empathy.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Member of the Property Law Section of the New Zealand Law Society
Chris has practised law since 1985, joined Harmans in 1997 and was appointed a Partner in 2002. He leads our busy private client and estate administration teams that specialise in property law, business and commercial law, trusts, asset protection and estates.
Chris has a down-to-earth, no nonsense approach advising his diverse client base on a broad range of legal matters that he specialises in. Chris has a particular interest in property, trust and elder law issues providing his clients with clear, easy to understand and pragmatic legal advice.
Chris is a member of the Property Law Section of the New Zealand Law Society.
Some of Chris' recent work/projects include:
Acting for and advising trustees of large family trusts and estates.
Providing asset and creditor protection advice, including the establishment and administration of operating entities.
Acting for and advising client on the acquisition of a high profile business and related legal matters.
Providing advice to trustees on the recovery of assets from overseas jurisdictions.
Job Titles:
- Legal & Personal Assistant
Claire is a highly skilled and experienced Legal Executive who has worked in the legal industry since 1992. Claire joined Harmans in 2002, after working for law firms based in Auckland and London.
Claire provides support to Mary Crimp and the wider litigation and disputes resolution team who specialise in civil and commercial litigation, insolvency and debt recovery, insurance litigation, estate litigation, PPPR Act applications and employment disputes. Her strong communication and organisational skills make her a valuable asset to the team and resource for our clients.
Claire was awarded her Legal Executive Certificate in May 2008.
Colin has been practising law at Harmans since 2007 and was appointed a Partner in 2014. He holds a Bachelor of Laws with Honours and Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) from the University of Canterbury. He jointly leads our busy family law team.
Colin specialises in:
relationship property and spousal maintenance disputes.
the protection of assets prior to a relationship.
the division of assets upon separation including personally owned assets, companies and trusts.
care of children, guardianship and family violence disputes.
Family Court-appointed Lawyer for Child work.
Colin is a lead legal aid provider.
Colin was elected Chairperson of the Christchurch Family Courts Association in 2015 and again in 2016. In March 2015 he was appointed Convenor of the Canterbury-Westland Family Law Committee (having started his term on that Committee in 2011). Following the conclusion of his term as Convenor in 2019, he was then appointed by the New Zealand Family Law Section as their Canterbury Regional Representative, that term ending in 2021. In 2022 Colin was appointed to the Executive Committee of the New Zealand Family Law Section, a role that he currently occupies and sees him advancing family law issues at a national level.
In addition to his Family Courtroom experience, Colin is also a Collaboratively Trained Lawyer, being able to offer our clients an alternative litigation-free approach to resolving all issues that arise following a separation. In 2022 Colin was appointed to the national Collaborative Resolution New Zealand Executive Committee occupying Secretary and Chairperson roles.
Colin and his team are committed to supporting the community having completed volunteer work for a number of organisations including ‘It Takes a Village'. Colin has also provided legal advice to local preschools and served on the committee of the Christchurch Parent Centre.
Some of Colin's recent work/projects include:
Obtaining a successful outcome and significant economic disparity compensatory award for our client in a complex relationship property case before the Family Court that involved multiple defended Court hearings.
Representing our client in a complex relationship property dispute involving a number of trusts and companies.
Representing children in a multi-day hearing that included a cross-over of parenting and family violence issues with expert witnesses and senior counsel.
Being appointed as the only lawyer to the Ministry of Justice's Working Group that is investigating a new operating model for Family Court cases involving co-parenting and family/sexual violence.
Job Titles:
- Legal Secretary
- Personal Assistant
- Support Staff Member
Cordelia is an experienced Personal Assistant / Legal Secretary having worked in the legal industry in New Zealand since 2011. Cordelia first joined the Harmans team in 2011, having worked on and off for Harmans throughout her studies at the University of Canterbury. She has completed her BSc in biology and psychology and is studying towards her MSc in genetics and bioinformatics.
Cordelia provides support to Jeremy Daley and the wider family law team who specialise in the protection of assets prior to a relationship, the division of assets upon separation including personally owned assets, companies and trusts, together with all care of children disputes and family violence matters.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Fellow Member of Legal Executives New Zealand
- Senior Associate / Registered Legal Executive
Deirdre joined Harmans in March 1999, after graduating from the Christchurch Polytechnic Legal Executive Programme as the top student in Canterbury in 1997. She has worked in the legal industry since 1988 and has worked for various law firms in Christchurch, Mt Maunganui and Sydney.
Deirdre is a Senior Associate of the firm and leads our busy estate administration team. Her areas of expertise include High Court grants (including complex applications), general estate and life tenancy administration, resealing of overseas grants, asset protection, trusts and trust administration, estate planning, wills and conveyancing.
Deirdre is a Fellow Member of Legal Executives New Zealand and an Associate Member of the New Zealand Law Society. She is committed to staying up to date with the latest developments in the legal industry.
Deirdre gives back to the community through her involvement with the arts. She is currently the President of the Canterbury Children's Theatre, a trustee of The Malthouse Theatre Trust, a member of the CSO Symphonic Chorus and has previously been a part-time professional member of the Canterbury Opera Chorus. Outside of the office Deirdre is a freelance make-up artist. She works with the New Zealand Opera when the company tours in Christchurch, is also Head of Makeup for Toi Toi Opera and has been involved with various amateur theatre societies in both the North and South Islands, on-stage and backstage.
Job Titles:
- Accountant
- Legal Executive
- Legal & Personal Assistant
Fiona is a highly experienced Legal Executive and has worked in the legal industry for 30 years. Fiona joined Harmans in 2003.
Fiona provides support to Chris Simpson in our private client law team who specialises in residential and commercial conveyancing, acquisition and disposal of businesses, trusts, asset protection and estate planning matters. Her exceptional organisational skills and enthusiastic attitude make her a valuable asset to the team, providing prompt and accurate responses to our clients.
Fiona is also an experienced trust accountant, providing back up support to our trust accounts team.
Fiona was awarded her New Zealand Diploma in Legal Executive Studies in November 2021 and is committed to staying up to date with the latest developments in the legal industry.
She gives back to the community by volunteering her time as a committee member of the Canterbury Afghan Hound Club and is a Financial Member of Dogs New Zealand (previously New Zealand Kennel Club).
Job Titles:
- Legal Secretary
- Personal Assistant
- Support Staff Member
Job Titles:
- Lawyer
- Member of the Canterbury Young Professionals Organisation
Grace joined Harmans in October 2022, after graduating from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (English) in 2021 and gaining valuable experience at the Ministry of Justice High Court Registry, case managing civil litigation.
Grace is a Lawyer in our esteemed litigation and dispute resolution team. Her experience has given her a great understanding of how the civil litigation process works both procedurally and practically.
Grace is a member of the Canterbury Young Professionals organisation and Canterbury Women's Legal Association, committed to keeping up to date with trends in legal and other professional industries.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Member of the New Zealand Law Society Family Law Section
Harriet initially joined Harmans in 2010, after she graduated from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Laws. She moved to the UK in 2013 and gained experience in health regulation law and worked on a high profile banking litigation case. She returned to New Zealand in 2015 and practised as a family lawyer in Lower Hutt, before rejoining the family law team at Harmans in 2017. She was appointed a Senior Associate in 2020.
Harriet specialises in:
relationship property and spousal maintenance disputes.
the protection of assets prior to a relationship.
the division of assets upon separation including personally owned assets, companies and trusts.
care of children, guardianship and family violence disputes.
providing advice under the Family Legal Advice Service regarding non urgent care of children matters.
Family Court-appointed Lawyer for Child work.
Lead Legal Aid Provider.
Harriet is a member of the New Zealand Law Society Family Law Section, Family Courts Association of New Zealand (Christchurch) and Canterbury Women's Legal Association.
She has also been appointed to the Legal Aid Provider Selection Committee.
Harriet and her team are committed to supporting the community having completed volunteer work for a number of organisations including ‘It Takes a Village'. She also volunteers her time to Community Law Canterbury.
Harriet completed a Certificate in Te Reo Māori at Te Wananga o Aotearoa in 2018.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Registered Legal Executives Team
- Registered Legal Executive
Hayley is a highly skilled Registered Legal Executive and has worked at Harmans since 2008, after living and working in London.
Hayley provides support to Deirdre Fell in our busy estates administration team. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team dealing with estate administration and is known for her strong work ethic, her ability to think strategically and to communicate effectively with clients.
Hayley was awarded her New Zealand Law Society Legal Executive Diploma in 2016. She is an Associate Member of Legal Executives New Zealand and is committed to staying up to date with the latest developments in the legal industry.
Job Titles:
- Member of Canterbury Young Professionals Organisation
- Member of Our Private Client
- Senior Lawyer
Hebe joined Harmans in 2022, after graduating from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Laws and gaining valuable experience working at a Timaru law firm for 4 years. She was appointed a Senior Lawyer in August 2022.
Hebe is an integral member of our private client team and provides specialised legal services including residential and commercial property, leasing, trusts, EPOAs and wills.
Hebe is a member of Canterbury Young Professionals organisation, Canterbury Women's Legal Association and the Property Law Section of the New Zealand Law Society, committed to keeping up to date with trends and changes in the legal industry.
Job Titles:
- Trust Administration Assistant
Helen is our dedicated and experienced Trust Administrator who joined Harmans in 2017.
Helen has developed a deep understanding of trust compliance and is responsible for organising clients' trust AGMs and ensuring their compliance with the Trusts Act 2019, alongside our lawyers that deal with trust clients.
Helen's approach to her work is centered on building strong relationships with Harmans clients. She takes the time to listen to their individual circumstances and is committed to responding to their needs in a personalised and effective manner.
Helen is also a dedicated member of her community. She is on the North Canterbury Academy of Music Committee, an active member of St Peter Chanel Waimakariri Parish and the Administrator for Kaiapoi Junior Tennis.
Job Titles:
- Legal Secretary
- Support Staff Member
Isobel is a highly experienced Legal Secretary and has worked in the legal and finance industry since 1998. Isobel joined Harmans in 2020.
Isobel provides support to Deirdre Fell in our busy estates administration team, who specialises in High Court grants (including complex applications), general estate and life tenancy administration, resealing of overseas grants, asset protection, trusts and trust administration, estate planning, wills and conveyancing. Her approach to work is centred on providing the best possible service to our clients with empathy and understanding.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Chairman of Partners
- Honorary Solicitor and Board Member of Sculpture
Jeremy has been practising law since 1984, joined Harmans in 1985 and was appointed a Partner in November 1990. He was elected Chairman of Partners in 2018 and jointly leads our busy family law team.
Jeremy specialises in:
relationship property and spousal maintenance disputes.
the protection of assets prior to a relationship.
the division of assets upon separation including personally owned assets, companies and trusts.
care of children, guardianship and family violence disputes.
With a deep understanding of family law and a wealth of experience acting for a wide range of prominent clients, Jeremy is well-versed to handle a wide range of complex legal matters including estate planning, challenging family trusts and company structures.
Jeremy has been involved in a number of high-profile cases with appearances in the Family Court, High Court and the Court of Appeal. Jeremy is asked from time to time to provide media comment on family law issues in New Zealand and was most recently a member of the Family Law Section Expert Panel reviewing changes to the Property (Relationships) Act proposed by the New Zealand Law Commission.
Jeremy has served two terms on the New Zealand National Executive of the Family Law Section, retiring in 2018. He has also served on various Canterbury District Law Society Committees including the Family Law Committee and the Standards Committee.
Jeremy undertook Court appointed Lawyer for Child assignments from 2000, ceasing that in 2017 to concentrate on relationship property matters. He still undertakes complex care of children and domestic violence cases.
Jeremy is an honorary solicitor and board member of Sculpture on the Peninsula, a charitable trust which promotes the arts and has raised significant funding for the Cholmondeley Children's Centre. He is also an honorary solicitor for the Friends of Canterbury Museum.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Board Member of the Central City Business Association
Jessica has been practising law since 2008, joined Harmans in 2014 and was appointed a Partner at Harmans in 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Arts (English) from the University of Canterbury and has previously worked in law firms in both Auckland and London. She jointly leads our large commercial and property law team. Jessica specialises in residential and commercial conveyancing, business acquisitions and disposals, commercial leasing, refinancing and restructuring, franchises and general commercial matters. Jessica has a particular interest in legal matters associated with the hospitality industry including the accommodation and tourism sector.
In addition to her legal expertise, Jessica is a Board member of the Central City Business Association, where she brings her enthusiasm for the Christchurch Central City and its diverse hospitality, retail and cultural experiences to the table. She is also a member of the Property Law Section of the New Zealand Law Society and Canterbury Women's Legal Association.
Jessica is always looking for ways to make a positive impact to the community, having initiated the Harmans Good Deeds Programme, which encourages staff members to take a day's paid leave to volunteer in the community and support various organisations, charities and events. She is also the honorary solicitor for her local Sumner Tennis & Squash Club.
Some of Jessica's recent work/projects include:
Acting for and advising a large hospitality group in relation to business acquisitions, leasing and general commercial affairs.
Acting for and advising a large commercial property investor in relation to the acquisition and lease of commercial buildings, financing and construction matters.
Acting for successful small to medium sized businesses in relation to their general commercial affairs, including succession planning.
Advising commercial landlords and tenants on lease obligations and assisting with rental relief resolution during the Covid-19 pandemic, in particular in the tourism industry.
Job Titles:
- Practice Manager
- Support Staff Member
- Accounting Technician With Chartered Accountants Australia
Having started her career at Harmans in May 1997, Julie has come full circle after leaving to gain accounting and management experience in Auckland and London, returning in 2005. She holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and has held various roles in the firm before being appointed Practice Manager in 2016.
Julie is responsible for all aspects of the firm's operations, including finance, personnel, technology, facilities, brand and marketing and improving the day-to-day operations of the business.
In line with the firm's strategic plan and with a particular focus on digital solutions, Julie develops and implements various projects to improve efficiency across our firm so that we may deliver efficient, accessible, down-to-earth legal services to our clients.
Julie is a qualified Accounting Technician with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and is a member of the Australasian Legal Practice Management Association (ALPMA), where she has been elected Treasurer of the New Zealand Branch Executive Committee.
Kate joined Harmans in February 2022, after completing her studies at Victoria University with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource Management and Public Policy). Her academic achievements and drive to succeed caught the attention of Harmans, where she began her career as a Law Clerk. She was Admitted to the Bar and became a Lawyer in September 2022.
Kate has quickly established herself as a valuable member of the commercial and property law team, who specialise in business and commercial law, franchising, hospitality, rural law, residential and commercial property and asset protection.
Kate is also a member of the Canterbury Women's Legal Association, a group which aims to promote gender equality in the legal profession.
Kath started with Harmans in 1993 and became a Partner in November 2004, remaining as a Partner until 2016, when she was appointed as a practising Consultant in our large commercial and property law team, specialising in banking and finance law.
Kath acts for a number of financiers, advising on commercial lending transactions and the structuring of securities. She also undertakes a large amount of debt recovery work throughout New Zealand, advising various creditors on the most cost-effective manner to recover debts.
Kath lives with her husband on a 10,000 stock unit sheep and beef farm in North Canterbury. Her rural perspective means she is well equipped to assist farming families navigating the challenges of transition and succession planning.
Job Titles:
- Legal Executive
- Legal & Personal Assistant
Kylie is a highly experienced Legal Executive who has worked in the legal industry for 10 years. Kylie joined Harmans in 2013, after living and working in London.
Kylie provides support to Harriet Daley and the wider family law team who specialise in the protection of assets prior to a relationship, the division of assets upon separation including personally owned assets, companies and trusts together with all care of children disputes and family violence matters. She is known for her strong organisational and administrative skills, as well as her ability to work well under pressure.
Kylie was awarded her New Zealand Law Society Legal Executive Diploma in 2018.
Lesley is one of our dedicated and highly skilled Receptionists who joined Harmans in 2015.
Lesley is known for her versatility and ability to take on a wide range of tasks, and continuously adds to her skills and knowledge base. She is committed to ensuring our clients receive the best possible service from the minute they walk through our doors.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Member of Our Private Client
Lewis joined Harmans in June 2019, after graduating from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts in 2018. He was appointed an Associate in November 2022.
Lewis is a member of our private client law team who specialise in property law, commercial law, trusts, asset protection and estates. He is skilled in property, trusts and asset protection matters and regularly acts for first home buyers advising on KiwiSaver withdrawals and applications for the First Home Grant. More recently, Lewis has gained experience working on subdivisions throughout the country.
Outside of work, Lewis is heavily involved in Highland and National Dancing, having been named the 2017 and 2018 Champion of Champions 18 & Over at the New Zealand Highland Dancing Championships. He is also a South Island Representative on the Executive Council of the New Zealand Academy of Highland and National Dancing, the Treasurer of the Christchurch Balmoral (Teachers and Judges) Club, and a committee member of the Piping and Dancing Association of NZ, Canterbury West Coast Centre. Lewis gives back to the community by judging and teaching highland dancing throughout New Zealand.
Job Titles:
- Legal Secretary
- Support Staff Member
Lisa is a highly experienced Legal Secretary who has worked in the legal industry for over 15 years. Lisa joined Harmans in 2007.
Lisa provides support to our busy seniors law team who specialises in all seniors' legal issues, residential conveyancing, asset protection, trusts and wills. Lisa is a valuable asset to the team and is committed to ensuring our clients receive the best possible service.
Job Titles:
- Managing Partner
- Partner
- Member of the Institute of Directors
Mark has practised law at Harmans since 1995 and was appointed a Partner in 2002. He is currently the Managing Partner of the firm and jointly leads our large commercial and property law team, specialising in commercial property , business and commercial law, franchising, rural law and asset protection.
In 2015 Mark was elected to the Executive Committee of the New Zealand Law Society's Property Law Section ("PLS"). After serving four years as the Deputy Chair of the PLS, Mark was elected as the Chair in 2021. The PLS is seen as being at the forefront of all matters relating to property law in New Zealand. In addition to that, Mark sits on the Council of the New Zealand Law Society.
Mark is an Accredited Property Specialist of the PLS and has a special interest in commercial and business matters. He has a particular focus on franchising and is convenor of the Canterbury committee of the Franchise Association of New Zealand ("FANZ"). He has been a specialist scrutineer of franchise documents for FANZ to ensure that member documents comply with all compulsory rules and procedures.
Mark is a member of the Institute of Directors and is the honorary solicitor for both the DARE Foundation of New Zealand and Aspire Canterbury, the Disabled Persons Centre Trust.
Some of Mark's recent work/projects include:
Acting for developer of a new commercial precinct in Rolleston, including associated construction, financing, leasing and sale matters.
Acting for the developer of a large scale commercial development in Rakaia, including structuring of entities, financing, subdivisions and sale of lots.
Acting on the negotiation of a large scale solar farm project in Mid-Canterbury.
Acting for prominent Queenstown developers creating complex residential subdivisions along Frankton Hill.
Acting for and advising in relation to the acquisition and leasing of a high profile shopping mall.
Acting for and advising a large commercial property owner in relation to the acquisition of a vacant "as is" commercial building, associated building and financing matters, remediation and construction matters, and then the leasing of that building as a five star hotel.
Advising the trustees and associated companies of a prominent Christchurch investment family in relation to their commercial affairs, including a high profile project associated with the regeneration of Christchurch after the earthquakes.
Acting for a franchisee of a well-known franchise system in disputes with the franchisor.
Advising a multi-generational farming family on succession issues, chairing family meetings and being instrumental in assisting them reach a resolution from disparate positions so that the farm remained in the family while each person received a fair outcome.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Member of a National Standards Committee for the New Zealand Law Society
Mary has been practising law since 2003 and was appointed a Partner of Harmans in 2015. She jointly leads our litigation and disputes resolution team.
Mary spent almost 3 years working in London, initially in the field of complaints and professional conduct and then in the financial service sector where she was a key member of the Financial Services Authority team that undertook the largest insider dealing prosecution in the United Kingdom, at that time. She has acted for clients in a wide range of forums including disciplinary meetings, mediations, arbitrations and litigation in the District Court, High Court and the Court of Appeal.
Mary specialises in civil and commercial litigation, insolvency and debt recovery, estate litigation, PPPR Act applications and employment disputes. She is particularly interested in the fields of insolvency and commercial litigation and regularly acts for receivers and liquidators, corporate and finance clients.
Mary is a committee member of a National Standards Committee for the New Zealand Law Society and Women in Restructuring and Insolvency (Christchurch). She is also a member of the Restructuring Insolvency & Turnaround Association of New Zealand, the New Zealand Credit and Finance Institute and the Canterbury Women's Legal Association.
Mary has presented papers and chaired HR Masterclass conferences in employment law.
Mary gives back to the community by providing her time to the Governance Board of The Village Presbyterian Church Community Centre.
Some of Mary's recent work/projects include:
Appearing as Counsel in shareholder dispute involving numerous entities and claims as to shareholder oppression.
Appearing as Counsel in a complex commercial case in which the value of shares, sold between related parties during the Christchurch Earthquake sequence, was in issue.
Assisting the liquidators of various companies in the exercise of their statutory powers of recovery.
Advising a large corporate client in respect of disputes that have arisen around their distribution agreements and negotiating a resolution in respect of the same.
Acting on behalf of beneficiaries to a will who allege undue influence on the part of the person employed to care for the deceased.
Representing clients (both employer and employee) in employment and restraint of trade disputes, restructures and employment investigations.
District and High Court proceedings for the recovery of debts.
Job Titles:
- Support Staff Member
- Legal & Personal Assistant
Job Titles:
- Legal Secretary
- Support Staff Member
Job Titles:
- Support Staff Member
- Legal Secretary / Personal Assistant / Administration
Job Titles:
- Member of the Registered Legal Executives Team
- Registered Legal Executive
Job Titles:
- Member of the Registered Legal Executives Team
- Registered Legal Executive
Job Titles:
- Member of the Registered Legal Executives Team
- Registered Legal Executive / Personal Assistant
Richard James Strachan Harman arrived in New Zealand on one of the first four ships, the Sir George Seymour, on 17 December 1850. In doing so, he brought to Canterbury a name that was to become synonymous with the law. 11 years later, Richard's son Thomas DeRenzy Harman was born.
DeRenzy was admitted as a barrister and solicitor in the Supreme Court at Christchurch on 31 October 1884, and four years later set up a practice on his own account. He was subsequently joined in partnership by Heinrich Frederick Von Haast in the 1890's, however the partnership later dissolved and Mr Von Haast went to Wellington. At one stage DeRenzy Harman was in partnership with Mr Thomas Hanmer, for whom Hanmer Springs is named.
DeRenzy Harman and Thomas Maude (brother of Nurse Maude) then formed a partnership in the 1900's practising from premises at 194 Hereford Street and also at Ashburton. When this partnership dissolved in 1909, DeRenzy Harman carried on the business until 18 July 1924. It was then that his second son, Annesley DeRenzy Harman, joined him in partnership. The firm became known as T.D. Harman & Son. Annesley Harman retired as a partner on 31 March 1973, continuing as a consultant until his death on 10 June 1977.
Between 1956 and 1962 three of Annesley Harman's sons joined the practice - Brian Harman in 1956 (retired 2007); Colin Harman in 1961 (retired 2008); and Peter Harman in 1962 (retired 1992).