National law firm Chapman Tripp has appointed four new partners and two new senior associates, effective from 1 December 2015.

Luke Hinchey in the Auckland office has become a partner. Luke specialises in all aspects of resource management and environmental law and public works, advising private and public clients on developments and infrastructure projects, resource management litigation, transactions, development and financial contributions and district and regional planning processes.

New Wellington partner Tim Smith specialises in commercial litigation and dispute resolution. Tim has experience in advising and representing major clients at all court levels across a wide range of commercial issues, with particular expertise in telecommunications law, competition law, and energy and natural resources litigation.

Fiona Bennett has been appointed partner. Fiona is based in the Christchurch office and specialises in corporate and commercial law with a particular emphasis on construction and procurement contracts, mergers and acquisitions and securities law. She advises clients on complex negotiations with local and international entities to achieve desired outcomes.

Ben Williams, also based in the Christchurch office, has been appointed partner. Ben specialises in resource management and environmental law. He has particular expertise in natural resources and urban and rural infrastructure. He has secured consents on major South Island infrastructure projects.

Kate Fairbrother and Mieke Upton in the Wellington office have been appointed senior associates. Kate specialises in commercial and corporate law and Mieke specialises in taxation law.