MinterEllisonRuddWatts announces promotions

MinterEllisonRuddWatts has promoted six lawyers into senior positions and also promoted seven senior solicitors. All are effective from 1 January 2019. Sonya Forbes has been promoted to Special Counsel, Corporate, Auckland. Sonya joined the firm in 2017 as a Senior Associate in the firm’s corporate technology team. She is a highly…

Jared Ormsby establishes Plymouth Chambers

After moving to the independent bar in November 2018, Jared Ormsby has established Plymouth Chambers in Christchurch. Jared acts on complex trust, public law and civil litigation matters. Jared Ormsby.  He was at Wynn Williams from 2003 to 2018 and Executive Chair/National Managing Partner from 2012 to 2018. Jared is convenor of the…

Two new partners at Fee Langstone

Fee Langstone has announced the appointment of two partners, from 1 February. Virginia Wethey was admitted in 1999 and joined Fee Langstone’s predecessor firm, Jones Fee, as a graduate. She moved to London in 2001 and worked for two highly regarded insurance practices. After returning to New Zealand Virginia rejoined the firm…

New Secretary for Justice starts work

Andrew Kibblewhite has begun his role as Secretary for Justice and Chief Executive of the Ministry of Justice. Mr Kibblewhite was Chief Executive of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet from 2012. Before that he was Deputy Chief Executive at the Treasury. He has a BSc(Hons) from the University…

Nick Wilson becomes Simpson Grierson partner

Simpson Grierson has appointed Nick Wilson to its partnership. Nick Wilson.  Nick specialises in commercial property, infrastructure, and local government property law, advising commercial, local government and public sector clients. He has BA and LLB degrees from Otago University and was admitted as a barrister and solicitor in July 2005. Nick is based in…

Rhonda Powell commences practice as barrister

Dr Rhonda Powell has established Athene Trust Law, a barrister's practice offering trust law consultancy to law firms and barristers. This includes legal opinions, trust reviews, drafting, overflow legal work and CPD seminars. Rhonda Powell.  Rhonda has BA and LLB(Hons) degrees from Otago, an LLM from Nottingham and a DPhil from Oxford…

Nigel Hampton QC elected to international disciplinary board

Nigel Hampton QC. Christchurch Queen's Counsel Nigel Hampton QC has been elected to sit for a term of four years as a permanent member of the Disciplinary Board for Counsel of the International Criminal Court. Mr Hampton was admitted as a barrister and solicitor in February 1965. He was appointed Queen's Counsel…

Promotions and appointment at Dean & Associates

Oamaru firm Dean & Associates has announced two promotions and a new appointment. Emma Middlemass.  Emma Middlemass has been promoted to associate. Emma joined the firm in 2011 as a law clerk before being admitted to the bar and beginning her role as a solicitor in 2012 following graduation from Otago University. An Oamaruvian…

Samuel Hood appointed Norris Ward McKinnon Managing Partner

Hamilton firm Norris Ward McKinnon has appointed its litigation partner Samuel Hood as Managing Partner. Sam was admitted to the bar in 2004 and joined the firm in 2007 after practising law in the Cook Islands. He specialises in civil litigation and employment law. Sam has just completed a nine-year stint on a…

New senior associate joins Morrison Kent

Caroline Rieger has joined Morrison Kent’s Wellington office as a senior associate. Caroline Rieger.  Caroline was admitted as a barrister and solicitor in October 2010 and was previously a senior solicitor at DLA Piper. She specialises in employment law and acts for both employer and employee. Caroline acts in mediations and has appeared in…