Dentons has announced the promotion of seven new partners, taking place over the next six months across all Dentons offices in New Zealand. The people being promoted are Sara Cheetham (Major Projects and Construction), Joy Wang (Corporate and Commercial), Oliver Hobbs (Real Estate), Kate Rouch (Litigation and Dispute Resolution), Catherine Deans (Health Law and Litigation), Amberley James (Health Law and Litigation) and Nicole Thompson (Litigation and Dispute Resolution).
L-R: Sara Cheetham, Joy Wang, Oliver Hobbs, Kate Rouch, Catherine Deans, Amberley James, Nicole ThompsonSara Cheetham joins the leadership of the Major Projects and Construction team. Sara is based in Auckland and has experience in private practice and in-house roles. She advises parties involved in construction, development and infrastructure projects, providing legal support with the front-end procurement of projects and during their implementation/delivery. Her legal expertise and practical approach make her a trusted advisor on complex, high-value projects. Sara’s appointment strengthens Dentons' national major projects and construction offering.
Dentons' Corporate and Commercial team’s leadership expands in Auckland with the promotion of Joy Wang. Joy is a highly experienced corporate and commercial lawyer who began her career with the firm. She regularly advises domestic and offshore clients on M&A, corporate structuring, joint ventures and commercial contracts. Joy has particular expertise inNew Zealand’s overseas investment regime and has played a key role in securing consent for a wide range of clients under the Overseas Investment Act. Known for her pragmatic and commercial approach, Joy helps clients navigate complex legal issues with clear, pragmatic solutions. Joy’s appointment strengthens Dentons' corporate and commercial offering.
The leadership of the Wellington Real Estate team will be enhanced by the addition of Oliver Hobbs. With over 10 years of experience in advising on property and construction matters in both New Zealand and Australia, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the partnership. He has represented government entities, iwi, and major corporations in large-scale transactions, development projects, and infrastructure deals. Oliver has expertise and dedication in his specialist area and has been recognised as a Future Leader by NZ Lawyer. Oliver’s promotion deepens the firm's real estate capability in Wellington.
Kate Rouch will join the leadership of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution team in Wellington. She is a highly experienced litigator and advocate, having acted for large public and private sector clients. Kate blends a practical approach to issues with an acute understanding of the law and an eye for detail. Kate’s specialist areas include civil disputes (particularly in contract and tort), judicial review, public law litigation, insurance, and natural disaster damage litigation. Kate is known for her ability to be across both the finer points of a case and the broader litigation strategy, while aligning with the client’s public and policy objectives. In April 2025, Kate was recognised as a future leader by NZ Lawyer.
Dentons’ health law practice will be boosted by the appointment of two new partners: Amberley James and Catherine Deans.
Catherine Deans is an experienced litigator with a broad client base in both the public and private sector. She has represented clients at all levels of the courts and before specialist tribunals. Catherine provides clear, tailored advice across a wide range of issues relevant to the health sector and her broader practice areas. Together with Amberley James, Catherine will lead the growth of Dentons’ health practice. She will also be Dentons’ second partner in the Christchurch office and, alongside Willie Hamilton, will lead the firm's growth there.
Amberley James is a skilled litigator with a particular interest in professional regulatory and disciplinary proceedings across a range of professions. She brings a wealth of experience from both New Zealand and the UK. Amberley will be based in Wellington and together with Catherine Deans will lead Dentons’ health practice, offering a full range of advisory and litigation support to clients in the health sector. Amberley also has expertise in public law and privacy.
In the new year, Nicole Thompson will join the leadership of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution team in Auckland. She works on a wide range of commercial disputes, including contract, property, insurance and banking disputes. She also works on contentious and non-contentious restructuring and insolvency matters. Nicole has appeared in various courts and tribunals in New Zealand and has extensive experience with alternative dispute resolution processes. Nicole has also worked in-house at a large bank in London. Her dual perspective as both external counsel and in-house lawyer gives her a practical edge when navigating disputes and understanding what clients wish to achieve.
