Nasif Azam and Rayhan Langdana are returning alumni, bringing international experience from firms in London. Andy Cartwright and Jess Elder join the firm as lateral hires from another New Zealand law firm.

Andy Cartwright – Real Estate and Construction 

Based in Auckland, Andy joins Russell McVeagh as a Senior Associate in the Real Estate and Construction team, working closely with partner Brian Clayton. He has previously practised at another large New Zealand firm and at US and magic circle firms in London. 

Andy advises on strategy, tendering and procurement through to contract drafting, negotiation and dispute resolution, with particular expertise in construction and project agreements. He acts for developers, government agencies and lenders across the full project lifecycle. 

Jess Elder – Banking and Finance 

Jess joins Russell McVeagh’s Banking and Finance team as a Senior Associate, based in Queenstown and Auckland, also arriving from another large New Zealand firm. 

Specialising in corporate finance, Jess advises borrowers and lenders on syndicated and bi-lateral bank financing, wholesale and retail bond offers and other capital markets transactions. She previously practised in Hong Kong as a registered foreign lawyer on secondment to Clifford Chance. 

Nasif Azam – Litigation / Public Law and Regulation 

Nasif rejoins Russell McVeagh as a Senior Associate across the Litigation and Public Law and Regulation teams, based in Wellington. 

A returning alumnus, Nasif brings international experience from the United Kingdom following postgraduate studies at Harvard. He has advised on regulatory investigations and enforcement, public law and complex litigation matters, following earlier roles as a Crown litigator and prosecutor in New Zealand. 

Rayhan Langdana – Litigation 

Rayhan returns to Russell McVeagh as a Senior Associate in the Litigation team, based in Auckland, having begun his career at the firm as a scholar, summer clerk and solicitor. 

He acts on complex commercial and regulatory disputes and has appeared across New Zealand courts and tribunals. He rejoins the firm having gained experience practising at the independent bar in New Zealand and at global law firm Quinn Emanuel in London. 

In March, the firm also announced the appointment of four new senior associates across its Banking and Finance, Competition and Regulation, Litigation and Tax practices.