LLB (Honours) – University of Otago
Nelson is my home town. After studying in Dunedin, I started out as a lawyer in Invercargill working in a range of areas of general practice and dispute resolution. I moved back to Nelson in 2011 and initially worked at two law firms, alongside raising my family, before launching my own practice in 2018. In 2019, I joined forces with Amanda to create DMK Law Ltd.
My key experience is in family and employment law, but since 2015 I have specialised in family law.
I am passionate about assisting people to resolve disputes. My approach is empathetic and supportive while providing clear, practical advice. I am here to help.
As well as acting for clients (be that parents, grandparents or other caregivers), I am also on the panel of lawyers appointed by the Court to represent children in Court proceedings.
LLB/BA(Psychology)/AAMINZ – University of Canterbury
Nelson is my hometown. After university and time practicing law in Christchurch and London I returned home in 2011. I initially practiced at two other Nelson law firms before setting up DMK Law Ltd with Stacey.
I am an experienced employment and family lawyer. The core values I focus on when engaging with clients is to understand their drivers and provide strategic legal advice with empathy.
As an employment lawyer, I provide advice that includes analysis and key options with a future focussed approach.
Assisting clients to find legal solutions and gain knowledge that they can use and build on is my greatest reward.
In my family law practice I am pragmatic and empathetic. My key focus is to provide clients with advice which empowers them and uncovers pathways that are practical and enduring.
I am a qualified mediator and an Associate member of AAMINZ (Arbitrators and Mediators Institute of New Zealand) providing mediation services in both family and employment disputes.
LLB/Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource Management) – University of Canterbury
I am a born and bred Nelsonian who returned home in 2014 to practise law. My initial experience was across a broad range of legal work in the criminal, civil and family areas; including appearing in the Employment Relations Authority, District Court, Family Court and High Court. I joined the team at DMK Law in 2019.
My key area of expertise is in Family law. I enjoy working with families to resolve their concerns both outside and through the Court processes. This work includes parenting disputes, family violence applications, relationship property and making applications to make decisions for others.
It is important to me that my clients are given tools empowering them to make decisions that are best for their family. I value clear communication and discussion with my clients, ensuring they are supported to find solutions which meet their needs.
For families with limited financial means I provide advice about the out of Court processes through the Family Legal Advice Service, and advice on Court Proceedings through Legal Aid.
I also work with Amanda on employment law advice applying the key skills learnt in my human resource management degree.
I am on the panel of lawyers appointed by the Court to represent children in Court proceedings.
I moved to Nelson with my husband in 2005 having completed my degree at the University of Otago. I feel privileged to work with families who need assistance both inside and outside of Court processes. My areas of work are Family Violence Act applications, Care and Protection cases under the Oranga Tamariki Act, Care of Children Act matters and Family Court Litigation. I am appointed by the Court as Lawyer for Child and have represented children in both the Family and High Courts including in Hague Convention Cases. I undertake legal aid work and act for private clients.
LLB – University of Canterbury
I started my legal practise in Nelson. After 10 years away from the city, I decided to return to Nelson in 2020.
My area of practise is litigation. In Wellington, I worked in a number of roles in the healthcare sector dealing with the regulation, complaints and disciplinary of health practitioners. This work extended across an in-house role (the Nursing Council), a global firm (DLA Piper) and the public sector (Office of the Ombudsman). In addition to being a lawyer and an adviser, I am also experienced in acting as an investigator and a prosecutor.
One of my key focuses is seeking to understand the circumstances surrounding a legal issue. I believe that asking questions to piece together factual circumstances, robust evidential analysis and procedural fairness are key to achieving solutions for clients.
Having had various roles acting for different parties, I gained valuable perspectives and am well-versed in looking at a situation from different angles. With these insights, I place an importance on achieving workable solutions while approaching issues with empathy and understanding.
Registered Legal Executive (2021)
New Zealand Diploma in Legal Executive Studies (2019) – New Zealand Open Polytechnic (Kuratini Tuwhera).
After living and working in London for 8 years I returned to rural north Nelson in 2010. I enjoy getting out into the beautiful Nelson outdoors with my husband and two children, and supporting them at various sporting and musical events. I have previously represented Nelson Bays in both football and touch rugby and share these skills with youngsters through coaching. I also play tennis and touch rugby for local Nelson clubs.
As part of the friendly DMK Law team I can offer you advice and help with documentation for wills and enduring powers of attorney. I am compassionate, attentive to your requirements and complete tasks efficiently.
If you need a Family Lawyer, I can assess your eligibility for Legal Aid, help you complete your application and answer any questions you have.
I am an Associate Member of the New Zealand Law Society (Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa) and Affiliate Member of Legal Executives New Zealand (Rāngai Hāpai Ture o Aotearoa).
I was born in Nelson and am lucky to have grown up here. I have worked at law firms since leaving school and really enjoy the great team environment at DMK Law.
I am experienced in supporting the firm in family law; and prior to starting at DMK Law worked in legal support in the areas of buying and selling property, subdivisions, wills, trusts and estates.
My goal is to make your experience with DMK Law positive and ensure you are supported in the work you need DMK Law to do for you.
