HOMELEGAL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Associate
- ASSOCIATE, SENIOR REGISTERED LEGAL EXECUTIVE / FNZILE
Amanda is an Associate Legal Executive who graduated in May 2002 and became a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives in March 2013, this is recognition of over ten years of service. This status allows her to take statutory declarations for clients. Amanda is known for her honest, straightforward, and efficient approach to handling client affairs. She finds fulfilment in aiding people at various stages of life, from buying their first home to arranging their affairs for future security. Amanda places great value on communication and efficiency in her work, ensuring each client feels prioritized. Her advice to first-time homebuyers is to trust their legal professionals, who are there to assist and guide them through every step.
Away from her professional duties, Amanda spends her time cheering on her son and husband on the football field, shopping and relaxing with friends and family over some good food and wine.
Job Titles:
- Registered Legal Executive
- SENIOR REGISTERED LEGAL EXECUTIVE / FNZILE
Angelene joined our firm as a Registered Legal Executive in 2008, bringing her valuable experience from working at Kensington Swan in Wellington and years of experience working for various firms in the Manawatu. She specializes in complex transactions such as unit title and subdivisions, commercial law, as well as general residential conveyancing. Her interest in law was sparked during a course in the mid-80s at Manawatu Polytech, leading to her first job in a law office and a continued passion for helping clients.
When not working, Angelene enjoys gardening, spending time with family, watching Australian Supercars motor racing, and relaxing with a good book. Plimmerton holds a special place in her heart as where she first met her husband.
Angelene is known for her attention to detail and thoroughness in her work. Her advice to first-time homebuyers is to conduct due diligence, emphasizing the value of LIM and builder inspections.
Beverley joined the firm in September 2015, bringing her experience from multiple law firms across the Wellington region. She is involved in all aspects of residential conveyancing. With over 30 years of experience in law firms, legal assistance is second nature to her.
Outside of work, Beverley enjoys various crafts, particularly quilting, and cherishes time spent with family. Her special place in the region is Petone beach, where she enjoys walking. She loves dining at any restaurant that serves Indian or Asian cuisine.
Beverley describes her work style as calm and methodical. Her advice to first-time homebuyers is to stay calm, reach out to a lawyer, and ask any questions they might have. Beverley attributes HomeLegal's popularity to the readiness and eagerness of its team members to assist clients.
Job Titles:
- REGISTERED LEGAL EXECUTIVE
Courtney, a Registered Legal Executive, joined our firm in March 2018. She launched her legal career in 2002 and earned her Legal Executive Diploma in 2013. Courtney was drawn to the Legal Executive role due to her enjoyment of client interaction as a Legal Secretary.
Job Titles:
- CONSULTANT / LL.B. ( HONS )
David is a senior lawyer handling a wide array of property and commercial matters. He has significant involvement in major commercial property transactions, with experience in the purchase of numerous high-rise buildings in Wellington and Auckland. David possesses specialized expertise in commercial leasing and has acted for diverse clients with properties throughout the country. He also specializes in business sales and acquisitions, company documentation, shareholder agreements and shareholder disputes and exits
David is a past President of the of the Wellington Racing Club and Rotary Club of Hutt Valley, and was a board member of RACE Inc for many years. He was also a trustee and Deputy Chairperson of the Hutt City Community Facilities Trust for 8 years.
When away from his professional obligations, David actively participates in thoroughbred breeding and racing. His other interests include skiing, sports, enjoying good food and wine, and spending time in good company. David's practice style is outcome focused aiming to simplify complex processes and facilitate efficient transactions. He emphasizes the importance of due diligence in commercial property acquisitions and recognizes technology's significant role in modern legal practice. A favourite quote of his from Tom Waits perfectly encapsulates his understanding of legal intricacies: "The big print giveth and the small print taketh away". If he weren't a lawyer, David imagines he might have been more actively involved in thoroughbred breeding and racehorse syndication.
Deborah Hislop retired as the Practice Manager on 5 th October 2023. For assistance, please contact reception on 04 569 3997.
Job Titles:
- LEGAL EXECUTIVE
- REGISTERED LEGAL EXECUTIVE
Grace joined the firm as a legal executive in April 2022, with five years of experience as a legal assistant and in legal trust accounting. She obtained her legal executive qualifications in 2020 and enjoys working on all aspects of residential conveyancing. Grace started her career as a receptionist in a law firm, which led her to develop an interest in legal work and pursue it as a career. She values making things easy for people and reducing their stress.
When not at work, Grace enjoys staying active by going to the gym and playing club netball, visiting second-hand stores, and spending time with friends and family. Her special place in the region is Foxton Beach, where she spent many vacations with her family.
She describes her work style as patient, thorough, and efficient. Her advice to first-time homebuyers is to seek advice from the right people for each aspect of the process. Her favourite quote is from Wayne Dyer: "If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change."
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- REGISTERED LEGAL EXECUTIVE
Hayley joined our firm as an administration assistant in October 2015 where she developed an interest in legal work and has been a qualified Registered Legal Executive since November 2020. She takes pleasure in dealing with various aspects of residential conveyancing, valuing the variety and the opportunity to interact with and help diverse individuals.
In her free time, she enjoys getting outside, fishing and volunteering within her local church community.
Hayley describes her work style as methodical, organised, and underpinned by a "can-do" attitude. Her advice to first-time homebuyers is to ask questions whenever they're unsure - it's what we're here for! She attributes HomeLegal's popularity to its friendly, efficient, and organized service, emphasising our commitment to making the process as easy as possible for you.
Joanne has been involved in residential conveyancing for all of her professional life. She is a specialist. She has been a HomeLegal team member since day one.
Jordan, an experienced property lawyer, joined the firm in January 2022 after working for three years at a smaller Lower Hutt firm. His expertise includes residential conveyancing, enduring powers of attorney, and commercial transactions. Based in our Lower Hutt office, Jordan offers flexibility by meeting clients in all our office locations. His practice philosophy is about finding practical solutions, simplifying complex problems, and ensuring excellent client understanding. He advises prospective property buyers to ensure proper preparation and consultations with relevant experts for a smooth transaction. He believes in learning from his mistakes and emphasizes adaptability as law continually evolves.
Jordan spends his leisure time involved in church activities and mountain biking. His mother's advice guides him in maintaining balanced workloads and treating everyone with respect. His favourite quote from Andy Rooney mirrors this philosophy: "Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
Born and raised in Wellington, Patricia graduated from Victoria University with her law degree in 2010. She joined Gillespie Young Watson in 2019, bringing her general practice experience. Patricia is known for her approachable and friendly demeanour. She is committed to understanding each client's unique situation and focuses on achieving the best possible outcomes in an efficient, practical manner.
Outside of her professional life, Patricia enjoys spending time with her family, and exploring Upper Hutt. She is guided by her grandmother's advice to continuously learn, and her favourite quote from Thomas A. Edison encapsulates her work ethos: "The three great essentials to achieve anything are: Hard work, Stick-to-itiveness, and Common sense".
Job Titles:
- LEGAL SECRETARY
- Personal Assistant
Razia joined the firm as a Personal Assistant/ Legal Secretary in January 2016, bringing her experience from various law firms in the Wellington region. She deals with all transactional aspects of conveyancing files, including sales, purchases, and refinances. Razia's interest in real estate and passion for helping people realize their home-ownership dreams led her to become a Legal Executive.
When not at work, she values spending time with her family and travelling. Her special place in the region is Lower Hutt, her home. Razia describes her work style as calm and collected.
Her advice to first-time homebuyers is to seek expert advice, especially regarding fine print details, to ensure a smooth conveyancing process. She attributes HomeLegal's popularity to its highly qualified and experienced solicitors who offer personal, confidential, and stress-alleviating guidance on all property matters.
After starting his career at a top Queenstown law firm, Sam ventured overseas, playing rugby in Ireland and Denmark. He later joined GYW & HomeLegal in 2009, bringing his extensive knowledge in Property Law. Samuel's areas of expertise include subdivisions, property financing, residential property transactions, and commercial property deals.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- SOLICITOR / BCOM.
Tim joined our team as a Solicitor in October 2021. Originally from Whanganui, he moved to Wellington to pursue his studies at Victoria University. Timothy brings valuable experience from previous high-profile roles, including positions in marketing and event management. Tim's hobbies include squash, tramping, guitar, and an endless pursuit for real fruit ice-cream.
Tim's approach to practice focuses on communication. He believes that fully understanding a client's objectives is fundamental. There are legal solutions and common-sense solutions, Tim sees merit in both. He will always attempt to resolve an issue in the most efficient and effective way.
We asked Tim for his advice to a prospective purchaser, he said, "buying a property is an exciting time although it is not without its stressful moments. It is vital to engage with the process and ask questions when you are unsure." Tim believes most stress with the process can be alleviated by picking up the phone and calling your lawyer. He is happy to discuss the property conveyancing process with anyone no matter how much experience they have or where they are at in the process.
Wendy is an accomplished lawyer who graduated in 2004 from Victoria University with a double degree in Law and Arts, majoring in Psychology. Wendy began working at Gillespie Young Watson in 2007 and she left at the end of 2009 to work in a specialist trusts and estates firm in Wellington. Wendy returned in January 2016 and joined the partnership in January 2017. Wendy's areas of expertise include Trusts and estate planning including Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney. Wendy has a practical, straightforward, open, and honest approach to client relationships, and she aims to achieve the best outcome for every client.
When not practicing law, Wendy enjoys spending time with her family and friends, running, and reading. If she weren't a lawyer, she would be travelling the world.
Bill maintains an extensive private and commercial practice, serving a large number of mid-sized businesses. He brings substantial experience in complex subdivision and unit titling to his role. Bill's past roles include President of the Rotary Club of Heretaunga, former Chairman of the Board of Proprietors of Hutt Independent Boys School, and a former Trustee of its School Board.
His approach to law practice is client-centric, aiming to understand their problems through their perspectives. He seeks to make the law less intimidating for clients with his friendly and approachable demeanour. While his practice covers a broad range, he particularly focuses on commercial property and Trust work, striving to handle all legal aspects of a client's personal and business affairs.
Bill's advice regarding property transactions is to always stay alert as each transaction is unique and comes with its own challenges. He identifies technology as a significant influencer in modern law practice, particularly its role in speeding up transactional times.
Outside his legal career, Bill enjoys watching rugby and cricket, dining out, and travelling. A guiding principle in his career came from a Senior Partner's advice early in his career that "the client is always right even when the client is wrong", highlighting the importance of understanding the client's point of view. His favourite quote succinctly captures his work philosophy: "It's the getting it right that counts". If he was not a lawyer, Bill would seem himself enjoying a career in teaching.