WAKEFIELDS LAWYERS LIMITED - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Senior Registered Legal Executive
Allison Te Maro joined the Wakefields Lawyers team in 2018 when Wakefields acquired the firm of Simco Lawyers.
Allison has formed strong relationships with many clients both on the Kapiti Coast and throughout the lower North Island. She is a registered fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives Inc. with over 20 years of experience.
Allison is a subject matter expert on conveyancing matters, subdivisions, trusts and succession planning and estate administration. Allison provides top-quality service to all of her clients and enjoys working with them to provide sound, pragmatic advice that's right for them.
Outside of work Allison appreciates quality time with her family and exploring the beautiful local walking tracks. Allison enjoys nothing more than a session at the gym and a swim at the local pools (with five grandsons to keep up with, exercise is a big focus of Allison's). During quieter times Allison enjoys knitting and a good whodunit mystery suspense novel.
Billy Hansen joined the Wakefields Lawyers team in 2022, following the completion of his law degree at Canterbury University.
Following a brief career in consulting, Billy joined the legal profession making the move from Christchurch to Wellington.
Billy is passionate about business and enterprise in New Zealand and is looking forward to learning a broad range of skills in the profession. He relishes putting a human face to business he is involved in and building strong professional relationships which last.
Outside of work Billy is a big fan of Canterbury rugby, horse racing and golf. He is looking forward to life in Wellington, seeing the Crusaders playing (and winning) at the Cake Tin, a day at the Trentham races, and exploring Wellington's numerous bars and restaurants.
Brooke McGowan joined the Wakefields Lawyers team in 2023.
Brooke was born and raised in Ōtautahi/Christchurch and studied at the University of Canterbury. She completed her LLB in 2020, alongside a BA with a double major in Political Science and International Relations and Media and Communications. She stayed on for postgrad studies, gaining a Master of Laws (International Law and Politics) in 2022.
Brooke is very excited to begin her legal career and looks forward to putting into practice everything that she learns.
Outside of work, Brooke enjoys walking with her dog Alfie, arts and crafty activities like knitting and sewing and scouring op shops for vintage and retro gems.
Daphne Pike joined the Wakefields Lawyers team in 2020.
In 1994 Daphne graduated from Victoria University with a Commerce Degree with a Major in Accountancy. She takes a strong interest in her line of employment and is currently halfway through completing a Diploma in Legal Executive Studies.
Daphne brings to Wakefields Lawyers extensive experience as a small business bookkeeper, as well as her experience with the Public Sector in Statistics and Workforce Management.
At Wakefields Lawyers Daphne heads the Finance Team and oversees all aspects of the Trust Account, Settlements and Firm Accounts. She is also very handy with Microsoft Excel and likes to turn data into useful information.
Outside of work Daphne enjoys spending time with her family and keeping fit with a mixture of aqua jogging and pilates.
Job Titles:
- Senior Registered Legal Executive
Emma Henderson joined the Wakefields Lawyers Team in 2018 when Wakefields acquired the firm of Simco Lawyers.
In 2009, after 9 years of working in the legal profession, Emma obtained her Legal Executive Certificate via distance learning. Since then, Emma has expanded her knowledge in many areas of law and gained experience working with a wide range of clients from the wider Kapiti region.
Emma is an expert in wills and estate administration, with a broad understanding of succession planning, family trusts, conveyancing, subdivisions and debt collection. With enthusiasm and a smile, Emma assists her clients to achieve their goals and make sound decisions that are right for them.
Outside of work Emma enjoys walks along the Ōtaki river with her daughter, particularly the Chrystalls Bend walkway. Emma is also a very keen fisher-woman with her favoured fishing spots being Ōtaki Beach, Mataikona and Castlepoint for competitions. In addition to this, and with her knack for creativity, Emma is one of the main go-to's in her family for cake decorating - birthday cakes being her specialty.
Jaime Graham joined the Wakefields Lawyers team in 2022.
With a drive to provide exceptional service to the clients of Wakefields Lawyers and her team, Jaime is excited to be developing and expanding her knowledge in conveyancing matters and pursuing a career in the legal industry.
Jaime provides top-level support to the staff and clients of both the Levin and Foxton offices, ensuring that the legal service delivered is second to none.
Outside of work Jaime enjoys spending time with family and experiencing what the region has to offer - in particular the beautiful West Coast beaches and scenic bush walks. Jaime is a self-confessed coffee addict who appreciates nothing more than a Sunday morning spent at one of the local cafes.
In 2019, Jessica Sanders became an integral part of the Wakefields Lawyers team.
With an impressive 7-year tenure in the legal industry, Jessica assumes a pivotal role in our daily operations. She provides adept counsel to both team members and clients, offering practical insights into their legal affairs. Driven by her fervor for management, Jessica takes charge of introducing and training on new systems and procedures, ensuring their successful implementation firmwide.
In 2020, Jessica relocated from Wellington to her hometown, Blenheim. Despite the geographical shift, she seamlessly continues her role as Operations Manager, a feat made possible with the support of her colleagues and the experience acquired during the first COVID-19 lockdown.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Jessica takes delight in exploring Marlborough's scenic walking tracks. She treasures the moments shared with her son and enthusiastically engages in Thursday night volleyball games. Additionally, she regularly embarks on a 15-minute flight from Blenheim to Wellington, for reunions with loved ones and a taste of Starbucks.
Julie Goundar joined the Wakefields Lawyers Team in 2018.
Julie completed her LLB at Victoria University, graduating in 2007. She has been practicing law in the Kapiti region for several years, working with clients to achieve their personal and professional goals. The variety of experience Julie has promises nothing but success for all of her clients.
Julie provides expert advice for clients on all property and relationship property matters, trusts, elder law and succession planning.
She also has a wealth of experience in a variety of private client and corporate matters, including residential and commercial property, subdivisions, leasing, relationship property, employment matters, residential care, succession planning and dispute resolution.
Outside of work Julie enjoys spending quality time with her husband and 3 children and is always planning the next getaway. Julie's idea of bliss is sitting by a cozy fireplace reading a gripping murder mystery accompanied by a glass of merlot.
Kailey Northcott joined the Wakefields Lawyers team in 2020 as a Summer Clerk.
After spending the past 5 years completing a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Otago, Kailey is looking forward to progressing her legal career having now returned to Wakefields Lawyers as a Law Clerk, soon to be Solicitor.
Kailey is excited to use her skills to assist the Kāpiti community. She has a strong interest in commercial, immigration, and employment matters, but is enthusiastic about gaining experience in other areas of the law too.
Outside of work Kailey enjoys exploring the hidden depths of New Zealand, 2-for-1 cocktail deals in the capital and her regular pilates and dance classes. Kailey's favourite styles of dance are lyrical and jazz, and you may have even spotted her performing at a Highlanders rugby game during her time down South.
Kent Gammon joined the Wakefields Lawyers team in 2023.
Kent has over 22 years of commercial law experience working as a commercial lawyer in various capacities such as chairman and corporate secretary for government companies in Jamaica where he is also enrolled as a lawyer. Always one to right a wrong where he can, Kent works tirelessly to get justice for his clients.
Kent is passionate about the law and brings not only his wide-ranging commercial legal experience to Wakefields Lawyers but adds value to the firm's pool of talent from his diverse background in other areas of law, particularly employment law and general litigation.
Although constantly striving to enrich his law career he still finds time to fulfill social responsibilities by volunteering to protect the environment and to assist those who are less fortunate.
When he is not striving for excellence in his workplace Kent is ensuring he has a healthy lifestyle by working out at the gym and playing a good game of tennis. Kent has been married to his beautiful wife Olga for over 18 years and together they have three beautiful children, Rachel aged 15 and Ethan and Lauren, twins aged 11.
Lauchie Griffin is the founder of Wakefields Lawyers and has over 30 years of experience delivering a broad range of legal advice to corporate and private clients.
Lauchie is passionate about innovation and utilising technology to enhance the client experience. He is also passionate about fostering confident, well-rounded, talented lawyers who work collaboratively with their clients, committing to distinction in everything they do.
Louise Peard joined the Wakefields Lawyers team in 2020.
Louise is a highly experienced Legal Assistant and with over 25 years in the legal industry, there is little that she hasn't seen before.
Specialising in the areas of conveyancing, wills, enduring powers of attorney, estates, and family law, Louise provides top-level legal support to the staff and clients of both the Paraparaumu and Otaki offices.
As a Kapiti Coast local, Louise's knowledge of the area ensures that her ability to assist colleagues is second to none. As a result of this, all clients are provided with the outstanding service that Wakefields Lawyers is known for.
Outside of work Louise is a self-confessed chocoholic with a passion for baking (despite her husband's claims that she is not very good at it). In addition to this, Louise particularly enjoys a regular weekend road trip up to Palmerston North to see her precious ‘grandies'. Louise is also well-known around the office for being quite the Mojito and Margarita connoisseur.
Michelle Stapleton joined the Wakefields Lawyers team in 2019 as a Senior Associate and became a Director of the firm in 2021.
Graduating from Queen Mary, the University of London with an LLB in 2004, Michelle then went on to complete her Master's Degree from the University of Auckland in 2010 and completed her STEP Diploma in Trusts and Estates in 2020.
In her role as Director, Michelle provides a high standard of service to her clients with a specialised background working in trusts, estates and succession planning, private client work, as well as relationship property and employment matters.
In addition to this, Michelle is also experienced in property matters, including residential and commercial conveyancing, and financing transactions for private and corporate clients.
Outside of work Michelle enjoys spending quality time with her husband and 4 children, cycling, and when time allows for it, a good book accompanied by a glass of Pinot Noir.
Job Titles:
- Conveyancing Practitioner
Nicky Attridge joined the Wakefields Lawyers team in 2021.
Nicky deals with all aspects of residential conveyancing as a Conveyancing Practitioner and Member of the New Zealand Society of Conveyancers. Nicky is also a Registered NZILE Legal Executive with a New Zealand Law Society Legal Executive Diploma qualification and a National Certificate in Real Estate.
Nicky consistently works to timescales and deadlines to ensure a smooth progression through each property transaction's completion. Highly proficient with 30 years of experience in her field, Nicky understands the intricacies of the conveyancing process inside and out.
In her role as a Conveyancing Practitioner, Nicky specialises in all aspects of residential conveyancing and subdivisions. Nicky's professional services also extend to the areas of wills, estates and estate planning.
Outside of work Nicky enjoys spending quality time with her family on their lifestyle property along with the company of their extended family of goats, alpacas, chickens, pigs and a pony.
Job Titles:
- Registered Legal Executive
Rose Teague joined the Wakefields Lawyers team in 2021.
After completing her Legal Executive Diploma in 2010, Rose began her career in the legal industry within local government.
Having grown up on the Kapiti Coast Rose joined a local private practice in 2018 working on a wide range of matters and specialising in estate administration.
Rose aims to form strong relationships with her clients, ensuring that the legal service delivered is of the highest standard.
Outside of work Rose enjoys spending quality time with her 3 children, the occasional girls' weekend away and hosting friends and family for one of her oh-so-fabulous platter nights.
Sam Wood joined the Wakefields Lawyers team in 2021 following four years in the public service.
After completing her conjoint LLB and Double Major BA in 2020, Sam was admitted to the Legal Profession in 2021.
Sam is enthusiastic and passionate about serving people in the community and assisting them in navigating the Legal System.
Sam's areas of interest include Employment Law, Immigration Law, Property Law, Elder Law and Family Law.
Outside of work Sam enjoys socialising, home improvements, the occasional quiz and spending time with her partner and puppy Indie. A Gisborne girl by background, Sam is now enjoying life in Raumati Beach after recently purchasing her first home.
In 2021, Samantha Shaw became an integral part of the Wakefields Lawyers team.
Job Titles:
- Deeds & Trust Administrator
Sheryl Kerr joined the Wakefields Lawyers team in 2018 when Wakefields acquired the firm of Simco Lawyers.
Sheryl has over 40 years of experience in the legal industry, beginning in Tauranga at the age of 17.
Sheryl has worn many hats over the years, from Receptionist to Legal Secretary to Legal Executive to now excelling in her current role of Deeds & Trust Administrator.
Utilising the skills acquired during her years of experience within the industry, Sheryl is responsible for the daily management and auditing of Wakefields Lawyers deeds and trust procedures.
Outside of work Sheryl enjoys spending quality time with her husband and their very lively Jack Russell/Fox Terrier, Rusti. In addition to this Sheryl particularly enjoys a weekend spent pottering around in her 1-acre rainforest-like garden.
Tom Speight joined the Wakefields Lawyers team in 2022.
Tom has experience in employment dispute resolution, employment advice and HR support. Tom works with business owners ensuring that they are accurately advised across the board whether those needs are corporate, commercial, property or employment. Tom also has experience helping employees achieve the right outcome from their employment matters. Whether you're an employer or an employee, Tom can assist you.
Tom also enjoys assisting clients with property matters, particularly first-time buyers, providing simple and easy-to-understand advice to help ensure that the investment they are making doesn't contain any nasty surprises.
Tom's areas of interest include:
Employment Law
Property Law
Corporate and Commercial Law
Trust and Succession Law
Outside of work, Tom enjoys the outdoors, such as hiking and camping with his partner. Having recently moved to Wellington, Tom is looking forward to seeing everything that Wellington has to offer.
In 2019, Yvonne O'Hagan became an integral part of the Wakefields Lawyers team.
Originally hailing from Ireland, Yvonne has been a resident of the Kapiti Coast for the past 8 years.