Lawyer profiles

• How Perry Mason opened door to Cohen-loving bridge player’s justice challenge

  Dunedin barrister Len Andersen was one of only four youngsters from his Napier high school class to study at Otago University – where 43 years ago he graduated with “the only real law degree”.“The others did dentistry and physical education,” says Len, who is president of the Criminal Bar…

• The lawyer, the chemist and one on the way

  Growing up the only biological child to parents with 10 children meant unique sibling benefits for Tauranga lawyer Chad Wallace.“I have an interesting family history, and have nine siblings. I am in the middle,” says Chad.“My parents foster children – newborn babies – and have three who are my…

• Crown Solicitor owes it to freezing worker dad

  Mary-Jane Thomas broke the education mould when she began her legal university studies over…

• It took an earthquake to swing guitar-playing skier from crime to insurance

  Sam Hider started law school in Christchurch’s earthquake year - 2011 - with his…

• A fresh player in 160 years of legal influence

  Flying in from Washington to Timaru for her admission to the Bar recently was…

• The rock and roll jurist who wanted to be Mick Jagger

  In another life he would have been born Mick Jagger in a (Jumping Jack)…

Obituaries

• Judge Robert (Bob) Wolff, 1952 - 2018

  Tauranga District Court Judge Robert Wolff who died on 30 April 2018 will be remembered for his many watertight judgments, a love of bikes and adventure along with his larger than life sense of humour.Judge Wolff, who was 65 years old, was born in South Africa but his family…

• James Clifford (Jim) Simpson, 1947 - 2018

  Horowhenua and Kapiti practitioner Jim Simpson, who died on 24 February 2018, was a highly competent lawyer, a respected man of the community, and a fine sportsman, who also had a sense of fun. His funeral was held at Rangiatea Church in Otaki and it speaks volumes for his…

• Geoffrey Lloyd (Geoff) Harrison, 1954 - 2018

  Auckland barrister Geoff Harrison died on 8 March, aged 63.His legal career followed a…

• Richard Peterson, 1940 - 2018

  Richard Peterson, who died on 12 January 2018 aged 77, was a well-regarded Wellington…

• Rowland Woods, 1936 - 2018

  Rowland Woods, who died on 4 January 2018 aged 81, was a member of…

• Judge Martin John Beattie, 1944 - 2018

  Former District Court Judge Martin Beattie died in Auckland on 4 February 2017, aged…