GALLAWAY COOK ALLAN - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Legal Secretary
- Legal Administrator
Areas of expertise
Dispute Resolution Private Clients Private Clients Relationship Property Wills and Estates
Andrew joined Gallaway Cook Allan as Partner in 2014. Based in Wanaka, he specialises in property work, trusts and general commercial matters.
Andrew has worked in New Zealand and the United Kingdom in commercial property law. He has a particular interest in overseas clients requiring immigration advice or Overseas Investment Office assistance.
"I really enjoy taking ownership of the task at hand. I also like getting to know people and helping them achieve their objectives in life," he says. "I take satisfaction from doing an excellent job for our clients and adding value to whatever it is they want to do."
Aside from his law degree and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies, Andrew undertook further study in 1998, obtaining a Post-Graduate Diploma in Arts.
Andrew is an experienced solicitor in the courtroom for a wide range of legal services, including employment disputes, criminal & civil litigation, relationship property and general dispute resolution. He has a good understanding of his clients' needs and is able to offer them pragmatic, knowledgeable advice, through clear communication. This enables his clients the opportunity to make informed decisions towards achieving their best possible outcome, during what can be difficult circumstances.
Outside of work, Andy is chair of the board of Pioneers - Dunedin Community Childcare Association and a Judicial Officer for the Otago Rugby Football Union. Married with three boys he also likes extremely social cricket and keeping fit.
Annette started with the firm in 2004 as a secretary. Ten years later she gained the NZLS Legal Executive Diploma, and now works almost exclusively on easements, from drafting through to registration.
Annette says she loves the challenge of having a couple of hundred active files, all at different stages, and never knowing which one will suddenly become urgent.
Though her childhood took her halfway round the world and back, Annette has spent all of her adult life in Dunedin. It is her favourite place to live.
Away from the office Annette is a keen gamer, preferring anything that allows open world exploration. She collects books, particularly old travel related books and books about Otago history. She buys other books almost faster than she can read them, keeping her favourites and donating the rest to the Regent 24hr book sale. Annette especially enjoys books about the latest discoveries in science.
Ari is a Senior Solicitor in our Private Client and Dispute Resolutions Team.
Ari was admitted to the bar in 2009 and has focused her career around Family Law Disputes and Relationship Property. While on parental leave, Ari continued her work in law as a marker of the Family Law Files for the University of Otago as well as a Legal Administrator. Most recently, Ari was law clerking for Anita Chan KC, gaining experience working on complex relationship property matters.
Ari is passionate about assisting her clients in achieving the best possible outcome in a common-sense and cost-effective ways, bringing our Gallway Cook Allan value of "Getting Straight to the point, together" to life. Empathy and approachability are key in Ari's client care as she appreciates that the legal process can often be unfamiliar, daunting, or stressful for clients.
Outside of work, most of Ari's time is spent with her husband, three young children, and playful puppy, or devouring a book or two.
Astrid joined Gallaway Cook Allan in April 2017. Originally from rural Rotorua, Astrid moved to Dunedin to study and completed a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Science at the University of Otago. While studying she fell in love with Otago and now calls Dunedin home.
Prior to joining the team at Gallaway Cook Allan, Astrid was working in a hospitality management role. She is enjoying the change and challenge of a legal career.
Astrid is a part of the property team where she will develop knowledge and gain experience in conveyancing, leases, estate planning and trusts.
Outside of work Astrid likes to keep active by practicing yoga and running her dog. Astrid can be found enjoying her time in Dunedin by attending music concerts, visiting the city's restaurants and attending local events such as ID Fashion Week. Astrid is a member of the Otago Women Lawyers' Society.
Brent was intrigued with the idea of being a hero to people simply by "turning it off and turning it on again" so learned the dark arts of Information Technology.
He enjoys the variety and challenge of IT. There is always something happening, and always some new bit of technology that can be a game changer. It's always satisfying helping people or implementing technology that makes (work)life easier or more efficient.
Brent is Dunedin born and raised and spent time working in Wellington and Christchurch before coming back home.
Since being back in Dunedin, Brent has worked with Contact Energy, Otago Regional Council and Presbyterian Support Otago before joining Gallaway Cook Allan in 2022.
In his spare time, Brent enjoys spending time with his young family - backyard cricket, driveway basketball, neighbourhood walks with the dog and cat, golf and the odd bit of gaming.
Outside of work, Bridget enjoys running, mountain biking and skiing. She's also a trustee of the Dunedin Tunnels Trails Trust, a member of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand and a founding member of Dunedin Young Professionals.
Caity works in the Commercial team at Gallaway Cook Allan, assisting with corporate, commercial and property matters. Caity comes from a background in professional services, having previously worked as a taxation consultant in an accounting firm. Caity enjoys working with a broad range of clients and believes in taking a pragmatic, solution-oriented approach. Caity particularly enjoys commercial lease work, and assisting clients with business and property sales and acquisitions.
Outside of work Caity enjoys keeping active in the gym, skiing during the winter, and has recently tried her hand at golf. Caity is also a food and travel enthusiast.
Job Titles:
- Compliance Manager
- Finance
Christy is the Finance and Compliance Manager for Gallaway Cook Allan and is responsible for overseeing the financial health of the firm and ensuring the firm's compliance with several legislative requirements, mainly the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009.
Christy graduated from Otago University in 2001 with a Commerce degree in Marketing and Management. She decided to indulge her passion for travel and moved to London where she worked for a small law firm and travelled when she could.
Christy returned home to Dunedin in 2008 and began working at Gallaway Cook Allan in a marketing role. Her role evolved to include the finance side of the partnership and to support this part of her role she graduated with a Dip Grad in Accounting at University of Otago in 2015 and as a CPA in 2021.
The introduction of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act saw Christy's role evolve further, leading to her current role.
Outside of work, Christy enjoys spending time with friends and family, and planning her next travel adventure.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Member of the Institute of Directors
David is involved in a wide variety of corporate and commercial law matters for clients including business acquisitions and divestments, capital raising, drafting and advising on commercial contracts as well as intellectual property and technology matters.
Dunedin born and bred, David began his working life with Gallaway Haggitt Sinclair and then spent much of his early career working in London in the in-house legal departments of British Aerospace and then Hitachi Data Systems. David brought his London commercial and intellectual property experience to Gallaway Cook Allan when he returned to Dunedin with his family in 2002. He was made a Partner of the firm in 2007.
Devon Miller joined Gallaway Cook Allan in 2015 to lead the firm's Private Client practice.
Devon's experience covers all of those areas where individuals, couples and families need legal advice - such as setting up and administering a Trust, making a Will, buying or selling property, preparing Enduring Powers of Attorney, Estate administration and all aspects of elder law.
Diccon joined the Gallaway Cook Allan litigation team in 1984. He has extensive experience in public and judicial reviews, employment law, arbitration and opinion work.
He is also involved in major commercial law matters - particularly employment and resource management issues involving transfers of businesses and structuring of joint ventures.
Diccon takes a systematic approach to solve legal problems simply and efficiently; "I enjoy challenging legal issues, researching, strategising and working out what steps are best and most practical for our clients," he says.
"I aim for sensible, prompt resolutions. And although it's sometimes hard for clients under stress, I believe in giving them realistic expectations as to what we can do for them. It's often better to find solutions that avoid the costs and uncertainties of court practice. I try to maintain an intelligent approach to getting a practical result."
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Nathan Adams Partner
Emma is a specialist procurement and front-end construction lawyer, and has a real passion for this area of law. She has acted on many construction and infrastructure projects across various industries, with particular expertise and experience in the energy and education sectors.
Emma's clients include companies, institutions, contractors, subcontractors, architects and consultants across the private and public sector. She advises clients on both horizontal and vertical construction projects.
Emma is known for building excellent relationships with her clients and operating as an integral part of the client's project team. She takes a very client-centric approach to her work, obtaining a deep understanding of her client's objectives and requirements, working in a collaborative way with the broader project team, and providing practical and timely advice to support the best outcomes for her clients.
Emma's client base includes both local and national clients, and she loves the fact that she can run a national practice while enjoying all the benefits of living in Dunedin.
Emma worked for top tier firms in Auckland and London, before returning to her home town of Dunedin in 2009. Emma joined the firm as a partner in 2016.
Emma is a member of the Society of Construction Law and the Women's Infrastructure Network.
Areas of expertise
Agribusiness Agribusiness Commercial Sector Corporate and Commercial Intellectual Property Property Law Trusts & Asset Planning
Emma is an Associate in our Commercial Team.
She specialises in corporate, commercial and property law and has broad experience in these areas, including business acquisitions and divestments, commercial contracts, shareholder arrangements, corporate restructuring, commercial leasing, compliance and finance.
Emma loves the fast-paced nature of her work and is known for providing practical and timely commercial advice.
Emma really enjoys working closely with her clients and advises companies, limited partnerships, institutions, franchise owners, and private equity investors.
Felicity specialises in property law, with a particular interest in development and subdivision.
Working with both small and large clients in the property industry, Felicity enjoys the challenges presented by real estate and other areas of commercial law.
"It's like doing a puzzle, getting all the pieces together and making them fit," she says.
Based in our Wanaka office, Felicity also handles estates, trusts and wills. She's committed to getting results for her clients as quickly as possible, while remaining thorough and approachable.
Felicity joined Gallaway Cook Allan through Blake Law in 2000. Blake Law became Blake Horder, then Blake Horder Gowing which is now Gallaway Cook Allan. Formerly with a large Auckland firm, she moved to the mainland after meeting a South Island farmer and raising their three girls.
Felicity appreciates the growing culture of women being able to continue working while raising a family. "All it needs is a little bit of give and take for women to be able to remain in the workforce," she says.
Geoff has extensive experience across all aspects of employment and health and safety law. Before joining Gallaway Cook Allan he practiced for almost 14 years with a large national law firm, working across the country as an employment specialist.
The Asia Pacific Law Profiles noted that Geoff is a "consummate legal professional, whose primary skill is in blending good legal advice with practical solutions".
Geoff has developed particular expertise in assessing and quickly resolving employment disputes. "Clients with employment problems are looking for advice that is pragmatic, down to earth and sensible" he says.
Geoff's practice covers:
Representing clients in negotiations, mediations, the Employment Relations Authority, Employment Court and Court of Appeal
Redundancy and disciplinary processes
Dealing with employees in commercial transactions and insolvency situations
Senior executive exit negotiations (acting for employers and employees)
Dealing with union negotiations
Restraints of trade
Bullying and stress related issues (Geoff has acted for a large public sector organisation facing significant bullying claims, appearing in the Court of Appeal)
Compliance (including employment agreements and health and safety)
Geoff is based in Christchurch, but frequently works with clients in Dunedin (and around New Zealand).
Gerrad joined Gallaway Cook Allan in 2016 and is a member of our employment team.
Gerrad completed his studies at the University of Otago in 2004, graduating with degrees in Law and Commerce. After a year teaching English in Japan, Gerrad completed his professionals and was admitted to the bar in 2006.
Gerrad comes to Gallaway Cook Allan following 9 years working in human resources across a range of sectors and organisations. Gerrad has experience in public health, central Government and both large and SME private sector organisations. Most recently prior to joining Gallaway Cook Allan, Gerrad worked for an award-winning HR consultancy.
Gerrad's experience includes drafting employment agreements and HR policies, advising on legislative compliance, leading disciplinary, performance management and restructuring processes, and resolving employment relationship problems.
After more than ten years away Gerrad is enjoying being back in his home town, Dunedin. Away from work Gerrad is most likely to be found spending time with family, and trying to keep up with his very energetic twin girls.
Areas of expertise
Agribusiness Agribusiness House Sale & Purchase
Job Titles:
- Legal Secretary
- Legal Administrator
Areas of expertise
Dispute Resolution Employment Insolvency Public Sector Law
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Chairman of Te Tautiaki Hoiho / Yellow - Eyed Penguin Trust
As part of our Resource Management Team, Gus is involved in a wide array of environmental planning and consenting processes both locally and regionally. He has appeared at Council, Environment Court and High Court level and has experience with mediation, fast track consenting and judicial review processes. Gus is comfortable embracing new and changing environments, having been born in the USA before growing up in the UK and ultimately finding his way to Dunedin in 2013.
Gus enjoys finding the root of an issue and delivering pragmatic solutions to complex problems. He also values the legal and scientific crossover in Resource Management, having completed a degree in Zoology.
Job Titles:
- Legal Executive
- Registered Legal Executive
Hannah Field is a registered legal executive working in our Private Clients Team with a main focus in estate administration.
She joined Gallaway Cook Allan in June 2021 starting as a legal administrator in the Private Client team, coming from a background in customer service and support. Since being with us she has completed her New Zealand Diploma in Legal Executive Studies.
"Often we are dealing with clients going through difficult times. Being able to provide direction and support for our clients during these times is both rewarding and fulfilling" she says.
Outside of work Hannah enjoys playing for the Gallaway Cook Allan netball team, painting and staying up to date with the Dunedin food scene. Hannah is a member of the Otago Women Lawyers' Society (OWLS).
Hannah joined the resource management team in February 2023 after completing a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Science, majoring in plant biotechnology. Hannah grew up on the West Coast with a love for the environment and farming. Hannah is looking forward to combining her background in a changing world of environmental regulation.
Hannah enjoys the variety that comes with resource management and working with clients to overcome legal challenges. "It's incredible to work with such a remarkable and knowledgeable team and working on a diverse range of issues, such as urban rezoning, resource consents, and working with community groups."
Hannah is a member of local practitioner groups including the Otago New Practitioners Group and the Otago Womens Law Society (OWLS). Hannah also provides legal advice as part of the SOULS tenancy program which helps students with tenancy issues. Hannah is also a member of the firms Sustainability and Community Group.
Outside of work Hannah enjoys catching up with friends and family, spending time outdoors tramping and beach hopping, and keeping fit with sports and the gym.
Areas of expertise
Agribusiness Banking and Finance Corporate and Commercial Property Law Trusts & Asset Planning Wills and Estates
Jase Tibble is the Chief Executive Officer at Gallaway Cook Allan. He leads the firm on behalf of the partners and is responsible for leadership, culture, strategy, and execution at GCA.
Jase is a genuine Southerner who grew up locally and studied in Dunedin. He brings a wide variety of private and public sector experience to the firm. Jase has held several sales and marketing leadership roles in fast-moving consumer goods in New Zealand and Australia, is a former Commissioner in the Public Service, and previously led Otago Polytechnic as Executive Director before moving to GCA. He has also held several governance positions including in the tech industry, the sports sector, and in community development. He was the runner up "emerging Director of the Year" with the IOD in 2021.
Jase is passionate about helping others to be the best they can be and has spent many years supporting the business and the not-for-profit communities in the Lower South Island through mentorship, coaching and seminars with the Chambers of Commerce and other local partners. In 2022 he was formally recognised by Otago Polytechnic as one of their "Distinguished Alumni."
"The people at Gallaway Cook Allan are among the most impressive individuals I have ever had the opportunity to share an office with. I come to work each day feeling excited to partner with our clients, solve problems, and do good things together."
Jase spends his spare time either playing or coaching sports with his wife and children or writing and recording music in his home studio.
A Southerner at heart, Jenna has returned to Dunedin after practicing law in Auckland and Queenstown to join Gallaway Cook Allan's Dispute Resolution team.
She has gained a broad range of litigation experience across a variety of fields, including: general commercial litigation, insurance, employment, health and safety, transport, regulatory and criminal and construction. While courtroom advocacy is a really enjoyable aspect of Jenna's role, she also assists clients with resolving litigation through alternative dispute resolution.
Jenna enjoys breaking down the difficult and often confusing process of litigation for clients and helping them make informed decisions based on practical legal advice. "Whether a key business decision, or a personal matter, listening and really understanding what is important to a client gives me the opportunity to anticipate the trajectory of litigation and move things towards a swift resolution. Being an advocate is a privileged and humbling position and I am fortunate to help people during some of the most difficult times in their lives."
Out of the office, Jenna enjoys travelling, the great outdoors and spending time with her family.
Job Titles:
- Senior Solicitor
- Senior Solicitor in the Agribusiness / Property Team
Jinsil Park is a Senior Solicitor in the Agribusiness/Property team at Gallaway Cook Allan assisting with matters relating to residential and rural conveyancing, subdivisions, estate planning and trusts. Jinsil has completed her master's in law specialising in commercial law in 2023.
Jinsil initially joined Gallaway Cook Allan in 2019 in the Property Hub team. She moved to Christchurch in 2022 with her husband and returned to Gallaway Cook Allan in December 2023 to be closer to family.
Outside of work, Jinsil enjoys trying out new cafes in Dunedin with her husband and watching movies.
John is not just an expert in commercial law - he's also a respected business confidante and adviser.
He specialises in contract law, intellectual property and company law. He has a particular interest in the Agribusiness sector having come from a family which has farmed for over 100 years on the same property in Otago.
Judy joined the Wanaka office as a Legal Executive in May 2016. She is a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives and in that capacity is able to undertake statutory declarations for clients.
With over 20 years legal experience working as a personal assistant and legal executive for law firms in Invercargill and Christchurch, Judy and her husband Graeme have moved to Wanaka to enjoy the lifestyle that Wanaka has to offer.
Judy has two sons with families of their own and enjoys travel, spending time with family and friends, keeping fit and walks with the family's Mini Schnauzer.
Juliette grew up in New Plymouth. She moved to Dunedin to study, and now calls the South home.
Juliette is interested in property and commercial law. She is primarily involved in providing legal advice on easement matters for subdivisions in Otago. She works with a wide range of clients, including private developers, surveyors and infrastructure providers who are involved in the subdivision process. She says "the best part of my role is the regular contact with people from all around the Otago region."
She enjoys solving problems and providing pragmatic solutions to meet her clients needs.
Outside the office Juliette enjoys tramping and reading crime novels.
Job Titles:
- Senior Solicitor
- Senior Solicitor in the Dispute Resolution Team
Kari Schmidt is a Senior Solicitor in the Dispute Resolution team at Gallaway Cook Allan. She has experience in a broad range of practice areas, including employment, relationship property, privacy, debt recovery, criminal, neighbourhood disputes, estate law, trusts, animal law and commercial litigation. She is passionate about helping clients resolve their disputes and enjoys gaining an understanding of their issues and concerns.
In her spare time she enjoys meditation, exercise and spending time with her family.
Kimberley specialises in property law including development and subdivisions, residential and commercial conveyancing. In addition, she is experienced in advising across a range of local authority property matters. She also advises clients on a broad range of general commercial matters including financing arrangements and sales and purchases of businesses.
Kimberley enjoys building relationships with clients and is committed to assisting them in a pragmatic way to achieve their objectives.
Outside of work Kimberley enjoys yoga, mountain biking and having outdoor adventures with her family.
Job Titles:
- Legal Executive
- Registered Legal Executive
Lana Lloyd is a registered legal executive working in our estates team.
She joined Gallaway Cook Allan in 2001 as a legal secretary but it was during 2005-2011, while taking time off for motherhood, she studied to become a registered legal executive. She earned the distinction of the top New Zealand graduate on the NZ Law Society Legal Executive course in 2007.
Lana handles wills, enduring powers of attorney, residential care subsidies, financial affairs for the elderly and other aspects of estate administration. She also administers the AAW Jones Charitable Trust.
"I really like the contact with people, assisting them through what sometimes is a very difficult time in their life - letting them know that there is light at the end of the tunnel," she says.
Outside of work, Lana is kept busy with her family. She also enjoys spending regular time in Central Otago.
Areas of expertise
Private Clients Property Law Trusts & Asset Planning Wills and Estates
Linda has been with the firm since 1986 and is a registered legal executive.
Working in the estates team, Linda also handles conveyancing work and trust administration. She looks after the Alexander McMillan Charitable Trust.
Linda is a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives and as such, she is able to undertake statutory declarations for people who need a witness for documentation signing.
She particularly enjoys her work with trusts. "It's really nice dealing with different organisations. You feel like you're helping the community," she says.
Away from work, Linda competes in ballroom dancing. She also enjoys gardening and spending time on her Otago farm.
Lisa has over 20 years' experience in organisational development and generalist human resources roles, including significant involvement with both private and public sectors overseas and in New Zealand. She graduated with an honours degree in Psychology and Post Graduate Diploma in Personnel Management (IPM) before continuing to become a certified trainer of Neuro Linguistic Programming in the UK and the Language and Behaviour Profile in the Canada.
In 2003, Lisa moved to New Zealand and worked within the Education, Health, and Minerals sector before joining Gallaway Cook Allan in April 2021.
Lisa is focused on driving and embedding excellence in people practices along with her passion for building and delivering solutions that influence and support a great culture for all employees
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Member of Our Commercial Team
Lucy is a member of our commercial team providing advice on a broad range of commercial and business matters. She works with clients on issues relating to buying and selling businesses; preparing, negotiating and advising on commercial contracts; commercial property matters including commercial leasing, acquisitions and divestments, and subdivision work; compliance; banking and finance including security enforcement; and intellectual property matters.
Lucy also provides advice on a range of corporate law matters including director duties, shareholder arrangements, and general company law issues.
Lucy is approachable and responsive, passionate about connecting with people and takes a pragmatic approach to helping clients achieve their business goals. She enjoys working successfully with a broad mix of commercial clients, and advises companies, institutions, airport, franchise owners and private clients. She strives to make working with her easy whilst providing practical and straightforward legal advice.
Lucy relishes being part of a vibrant and collaborative commercial team, and loves keeping fit both in the gym and outdoors, cheering on the side-lines of her children's various sports, and enjoying her lifestyle property.
Areas of expertise
Commercial Sector Corporate and Commercial Development and Construction Public Sector
Areas of expertise
Banking and Finance Commercial Sector Corporate and Commercial Development and Construction Intellectual Property Property Law Technology & Gaming Trusts & Asset Planning
Areas of expertise
Commercial Sector Corporate and Commercial House Sale & Purchase Property Law
Job Titles:
- Legal Executive
- Registered Legal Executive and Associate Member of the New Zealand Institute
Michelle is a Registered Legal Executive and Associate Member of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives. She undertakes residential conveyancing in our Property Hub and, in particular, enjoys working with first home buyers to purchase their first property.
Michelle has worked in the legal arena for 25 years, originally for legal firms/sole barristers in Auckland before relocating to Southland and latterly Dunedin - joining the firm in early 2022.
Outside of work, she enjoys cycling, gardening, art and spending time with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Senior Solicitor
- Member of the Otago Community Hospice Board
Natalia is a Senior Solicitor in the Commercial Team assisting with corporate, commercial and property matters. Natalia has experience in a range of practice areas and was a member of our Property Hub team until 2022. She strives to ensure her clients receive sound, practical advice and enjoys working with a broad mix of clients.
Natalia has been a member of the Otago Community Hospice Board since 2018 and sits on their finance and audit committee. Natalia is a former Convenor of the Otago Women's Law Society and holds a strong interest in governance work.
Outside of work, Natalia enjoys spending time with friends and family, keeping active and travelling.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Nathan Adams Partner
Nathan grew up on a farm in eastern Southland and worked on the land in a variety of jobs, from the shearing shed to beekeeping, before getting his law and arts degrees at the University of Otago.
He started his career in Christchurch before spending seven years working for a London City firm where, as a partner, he was involved in corporate, commercial and project finance transactions ranging up to £200 million.
Areas of expertise
Commercial Sector Dispute Resolution Employment Relationship Property
Areas of expertise
Commercial Sector Corporate and Commercial Development and Construction Dispute Resolution Employment Relationship Property
Areas of expertise
Agribusiness Agribusiness Banking and Finance Commercial Sector Corporate and Commercial Development and Construction Intellectual Property Property Law Wills and Estates
Areas of expertise
House Sale & Purchase Property Law