Simpson Grierson has promoted nine senior associates to the position of special counsel, effective from 1 January 2020.
Sonia Vitas is a member of the Auckland based construction team, Sonia has advised clients on construction projects across a wide range of industry sectors. Most recently she has advised Watercare on the Central Interceptor Project - one of the largest and most complex wastewater infrastructure projects undertaken in New Zealand. She has particular expertise in project procurement and documentation.
Deborah Rowe is also a member of the Auckland based construction team, Deborah has helped clients across a range of sectors on construction contracts and in resolving construction related disputes, including Construction Contracts Act adjudications, arbitration and litigation.
Sandy Donaldson is based in the Auckland commercial property team, Sandy specialises in property law and property development - from small scale residential subdivisions to complex commercial developments. Her expertise also extends to property and due diligence advice in residential and commercial developments and commercial leasing.
John Craig is a member of the Wellington commercial property group, John has advised on major projects for Crown and local authority entities, as well as corporate clients. These include the development and leasing of new build premises, refurbishment projects, due diligence, joint ventures, and the management of significant sales and purchases of commercial properties.
Louise Taylor is an Auckland-based member of the commercial group, Louise specialises in all aspects of technology law and advises clients across a range of general commercial and technology-related projects. She has particular expertise in new and emerging tech, including AI, blockchain, internet of things, cloud/fog, quantum computing and drones. Louise is also a Deputy Chair of the AI Forum NZ Executive Council.
Jane Harris is a member of the Auckland based commercial group. Jane has advised corporate clients on a variety of transactions related to the sale and purchase of companies and businesses – including Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group’s acquisition of Westland by scheme of arrangement, the sale of TRG Imaging to a Waterman Fund, and assisting Hilton Foods with a green-fields processing factory development.
Carl Blake is an Auckland based member of the employment group, Carl advises on all aspects of employment law including corporate restructures, personal grievances, employment agreements and policies, health and safety, human rights and privacy, and collective bargaining. He regularly represents employers in mediations and has appeared before the Employment Relations Authority, Employment Court and Court of Appeal.
Nicky Hall is a senior litigator with over 20 years’ experience in general civil litigation. She has particular expertise in property litigation, Public Works compensation and rent reviews, as well as contract and commercial disputes. Nicky is currently leading the process for addressing land compensation issues in respect of the City Rail Link project.
Graeme Palmer is an Auckland based member of the local government and environment group, Graeme advises public entities, and in particular local government clients across a wide range of matters including rates, council-controlled organisations, infrastructure, bylaws and statutory bills. He also specialises in judicial review, appearing in numerous High Court and Court of Appeal hearings, the Privy Council and the Supreme Court.