Notable changes in New Zealand Legal Market

The New Zealand legal industry has seen notable changes recently, with high-profile partners moving between firms, key mergers strengthening market presence, and new General Counsels.

Private Practice

• Russell McVeagh has welcomed Sam Nelson to their Queenstown office as the firm continues to strengthen its presence in the Lakes region and across New Zealand after two decades at Lane Neave
• Anderson Lloyd has expanded its Christchurch office with the appointment of three senior partners from Chapman Tripp; Jo Appleyard, Ben Williams, and Ingrid Taylor.
• Tavendale + Partners has recently welcomed three senior additions: Graeme Switzer (previously Duncan Cotterill), Anthony Drake (previously Wynn Williams) and Hon Simon Moore KC.

In-House

• Mark Derocher joined AA Insurance as their first General Counsel after 17
  years with HSBC
• Erin Vercoe left The Warehouse Group after 6 years to join RealNZ as their General Counsel
• Dave Christianson joined Tracksuit as their first General Counsel after
  previously being General Counsel at Veve and Les Mills International

New Firms

• Copeland Ashcroft, a firm with expertise in workplace law, has split their
  operations into two new businesses, each with a renewed focus and regional presence. Kate Ashcroft, Myriam Mitchell and Christie McGregor have started 'Ashcroft Mitchell McGregor'. Janet Copeland and Naoimh McAllister have
  started 'Copeland McAllister Law'.
• James Nolen and Jeff Walters, alongside fellow directors Peter Sargent and Margaret Chen have created Nolen Walters. The team, formerly of K3 Legal, has combined their practices to create a specialist firm spanning property, commercial, litigation, family, and private wealth, with multi-lingual capability.