DLA Piper New Zealand has announced the appointment of two special counsel.

Melissa Johnston is based in Auckland. Admitted in December 2002, she specialises in employment and acts for both employers and employees on a range of matters, including redundancies, restructuring, health and safety, personal grievances and employment documentation.

Melissa also has experience in medico-legal law and has worked for professional regulators in the United Kingdom. She has also been appointed Pro Bono Director for New Zealand.

Emma Moran is based in Wellington. She was admitted in June 2008 and practises in the areas of civil litigation, dispute resolution and public law.

Emma has experience advising clients and resolving disputes across a range of civil matters and a commercial dispute resolution experience. She acts for a number of local authorities and public sector organisations.