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Barrister Sole – With approval from the New Zealand Law Society to take direct instructions
My plan, right from the start of being a lawyer, was to make it easy for people to work within the law. People should be able to use the legal system to obtain what they are entitled to, or defend themselves against legal action taken against them. I have worked for over 10 years in the private sector in the banking industry, and then for nearly 20 years for a large government department. I appreciate it is often quite daunting and difficult for people to ensure
that their point of view is listened to. It is a skill in itself to find out the correct processes to follow, and the correct people to speak to in any large organisation. Because of my experience, I understand the importance of following the correct processes and speaking to the right people. My job is to ensure that you get heard by the right people, which ensures you have the best chance of achieving your goals.
I am a Barrister sole with approval from the New Zealand Law Society to practise on my own account and take direct instructions. If there is a need at some point for an instructing solicitor, we will work through your various options.
I started work in the banking industry at the age of 17. After a decade working in banking, I decided it was time for change and completed a law degree (LLB) at the University of Otago and, later, a Master of Taxation Studies (MTaxS(Hons)) from the University of Auckland. Since being admitted as a lawyer, I have worked for small law firm covering a wide range of primarily litigation matters (criminal, family, civil). I then worked for nearly 20 years for a large government department, the IRD, again mostly in the litigation area covering Taxation Review Authority matters, debt matters (including Child Support), and criminal prosecution matters. Through that experience I learnt a lot about tax. I equally learnt that often people do not get their point of view heard because they do not understand and therefore do not follow the organisations’ processes.
I sit on two statutory committees, a Wellington City Council District Licensing Committee (alcohol) and a Real Estate Authority Complaints Assessment Committee. This means that I am unable to undertake this type of work. It has however given me great insight into how decision making bodies work.
I think that a good education system is an important part of any society, and I teach for the The College of Law.
I left the IRD with the aim of using my skills and experience to help others have their voice heard.