Our People

Laura has worked for many local authorities throughout New Zealand and is an expert communicator with extensive experience in resource management, environmental and local government law.

Specialist areas:

• Resource management
• Governance advisory
• Regulatory compliance and enforcement
• Climate change advisory and litigation

Laura is accomplished in a wide range of issues including resource consenting, plan and policymaking, bylaws, and financial and development contributions.

She acknowledges the challenges that councils often face performing their consenting functions, liaising with multiple stakeholders and managing community expectations. She has an intimate understanding of the complex interplay between the various local government functions and has become a ‘go to’ for all things related to natural and coastal hazards.

Her expertise makes her skilled at providing pragmatic solutions in a down-to-earth and understandable manner, that support councils to deliver for their communities.

Qualifications:

• LLB/BA, University of Canterbury

Dedicated to achieving successful outcomes for councils in civil litigation matters, Simon combines first-rate advocacy and legal intuition with practical commercial business sense.

Specialist areas:

• Civil litigation
• Insurance
• Regulatory compliance and enforcement

As a former Crown Prosecutor, Simon has significant trial and Appellate Court experience.  He’s also a firm believer in alternative dispute resolution processes, particularly mediation.

Simon’s legal career has taken him all over the world, exposing him to diverse areas including civil litigation, insurance, health law and dispute resolution.

Simon tackles new challenges head-on, making him a powerhouse at solving some of the most complex cases. Those who have worked with Simon describe him as incredibly hard-working, someone who goes above and beyond to strive for the best outcomes for his clients.

Qualifications:

• LLM(1st Class Hons), University of Auckland
• LLB/BA, University of Otago

Drawing on over two decades of legal experience both in top-tier private practice and in-house at Auckland Council, Cori brings a dynamic approach and deep understanding of infrastructure and property law, and local government intricacies.

Specialist areas:

• Infrastructure funding
• Property and property development
• Governance advisory
• Climate change advisory

Cori’s unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with his grounded integrity, ensures he consistently delivers outstanding outcomes. He has played pivotal roles in transformative urban regeneration projects, strategic funding initiatives and corporate restructures in the local government context, most notably with the Housing Acceleration Fund, reimagined Auckland’s waterfront ownership, and council social housing joint venture Haumaru Housing projects.

Outside of work, Cori is an avid follower of American Football and a family man. Additionally, he serves on the board for Habitat for Humanity Northern Region, reflecting his personal commitment to community engagement and development.

Qualifications:

• LLB / LLM (1^st Class Hons), University of Waikato

Charlotta has worked extensively with local government clients and their insurers for the past 12 years. She is a highly skilled and practical problem-solver who is passionate about working with and supporting councils.

Specialist areas:

• Civil litigation
• Insurance
• Governance advisory

Charlotta is an advocate for alternative dispute resolution, believing strongly that some of the best solutions are often found outside of the courtroom. When needed, she is also an extremely persuasive courtroom advocate.

In an area of law that is constantly evolving, Charlotta expertly and confidently provides strategic advice, underpinned by an appreciation of the dedicated work from the people who make up local government.

Charlotta is empathetic and a fantastic listener, which gives her a real edge when negotiating successful outcomes for councils and their insurers.

Qualifications:

• LLB/BSoSc (1^st Class Hons), University of Birmingham
• Postgraduate Diploma in Law, University of Central England
• Master of Legal Studies, University of Auckland

Helen is one of the country’s most successful local government lawyers for mediation and works as a consultant specialising in civil litigation and dispute resolution.

Specialist areas:

• Civil litigation
• Insurance
• Governance advisory

With 30 years of experience in local government law and insurance, Helen has developed an aptitude for what motivates people, which she expertly uses to determine when and how mediation and other modern dispute resolution techniques should be used to achieve the best outcome for all parties involved – without the cost or delays often associated with more conventional methods.

She is a persuasive advocate and has appeared extensively before the judiciary. Well-known for her sincere demeanour, Helen can always provide strong and fair representation for clients.

Helen established the firm in 2013 and was Managing Partner until 2020.

Qualifications:

LLB, University of Otago

For more than 25 years, Katia has been practising environmental and local government law in top-tier national firms, most recently joining Rice Speir as Special Counsel.

Specialist areas:

• Resource management
• Governance advisory
• Alcohol law

Katia has spent the bulk of her career assisting and advising councils under local government legislation, including in relation to alcohol law, resource consent applications, bylaw reviews, district and regional plan reviews, and designations.  She has also represented a wide range of private interests including listed companies and property developers.

It’s this broad mix of experience, skill and relationship networking that makes Katia ideally placed to advise councils and ensure risks are appropriately managed.

In addition, Katia is an author of the Brookers Sale and Supply of Alcohol annotated legislation handbook.

Qualifications:

• LLB (1^st Class Hons), BSoSc (1^st Class Hons), University of Waikato

With close to two decades of experience across resource management, alcohol licensing, civil litigation and regulatory legal matters, Alex is well-placed to assist in the multifaceted issues faced by our local government clients.

Specialist areas:

• Resource management
• Sale and Supply of Alcohol
• Regulatory compliance and enforcement
• Governance advisory

Alex excels in negotiating and mediating successful outcomes and finding cost effective solutions to complex issues. His recent 6-year tenure in the Auckland Council legal team has provided him invaluable experience and insight into managing the intricate balance between legal and regulatory requirements, stakeholder interests, community expectations and budgets.

Outside of work, Alex is an avid supporter of community initiatives and is a Regional Advisory Committee Member for Supporting Families in Mental Illness. He is also a proud family man and his love for sports and passion for running and outdoors reflects his positive and energetic attitude.

Qualifications:

• LLB / BA, University of Otago

Felicity is an environmental and resource management law expert with over 20 years of experience.  She meets client objectives efficiently and effectively drawing on her technical expertise, clear communication skills and approachable manner.

Specialist areas

• Environment, Planning & Resource Management
• Local Government
• Public Law

With extensive experience both in-house at Auckland Council and in large corporate law firms, Felicity has a unique understanding of the complex range of issues that arise in local government from both the consent authority and applicant perspective.

Felicity has appeared as counsel in various forums, including Environment Court proceedings under the Resource Management Act.  She advises on the resource consent, subdivision, and plan change processes.  She is particularly skilled in the designation process and has advised both local government and applicants on significant infrastructure projects.

Qualifications

• LLB/MBHL, University of Otago
• Committee member of the Resource Management Law Association

Passionate about achieving the best results for her clients, Sarah combines her skill set as an experienced civil litigator and former Crown prosecutor to give her clients pragmatic advice on a wide range of disputes.

Specialist areas:

• Civil litigation and dispute resolution;
• Insolvency, recoveries and enforcement; and
• Regulatory compliance and enforcement.

Sarah has extensive experience in acting for private, commercial and government clients on a wide range of litigation.  She has acted for the Official Assignee and private liquidators in a range of insolvency disputes including acting for clients bringing claims against directors, bankrupts and related parties using the suite of remedies available under the Companies Act 1993, Property Law Act 2007 and the Insolvency Act 2006.

With an approachable manner Sarah draws on her experience as a court room advocate to provide high quality advice to help her clients achieve their goals.

Qualifications

• LLB/BSc, University of Auckland

Jodi is an accomplished senior lawyer who brings a refreshing new dimension to Rice Speir. Intelligent and approachable, Jodi has built a reputation for her insight and collaboration and regularly enjoys working with Queen’s Counsel.

Specialist areas:

• Civil litigation
• Regulatory compliance and enforcement
• Employment and professional disciplinary matters

Jodi is a fully qualified solicitor in Canada and New Zealand, bringing an impressive breadth of expertise to Rice Speir. She has worked as a Crown Prosecutor in Calgary, lectured on contract and criminal law in Auckland and has assisted senior barristers before the High Court, Court of Appeal, Employment Court and most recently the Judicial Conduct Panel.

Jodi joined the team in 2022 and has quickly built great working relationships with her clients, resolving even the most challenging commercial and regulatory cases.

She welcomes the unique opportunity to work alongside local authorities with her employment law skills in both contentious and non-contentious matters.

Qualifications:

• LLB/BA, University of Alberta (Canada)
• LLM, University of Toronto (Canada)
• Admitted as a barrister and solicitor in both Canada and New Zealand

Highly experienced in public law and commercial disputes, Nick is well-known for his strategic and pragmatic advice that gets results. He joined Rice Speir in September 2023 and has quickly become an integral part of the firm.

Specialist areas:

• Civil litigation and commercial disputes
• Regulatory enforcement and prosecutions
• Public law and governance advisory
• Climate change litigation

Nick has spent over a decade advising central and local government agencies on strategic legal risks, the exercise of public law powers and commercial disputes.  He enjoys advocacy and thrives when faced with even the most complex disputes. That’s underpinned by a deep desire to do right by his clients with whom he collaborates closely.

Over the years, Nick has been involved with several community bodies related to his profession and personal passions.  He currently sits on the Auckland District Licensing Committee, which he was appointed to in 2023. While two energetic sons keep family life busy, when he can he enjoys running and is currently training for the 2024 Auckland Marathon.

Qualifications:

• LLB/BSc – University of Auckland

Backed by over a decade in law, Beth is driven to help people make robust decisions and achieve the best outcomes possible. Through collaborating with experts and communities, she knows that her work has a real impact on Local Government practice and policy and therefore on people’s everyday lives.

Specialist areas:

• Resource management
• Governance advisory
• Regulatory compliance and enforcement

After starting her career as a hearing manager and research officer for the environment court, Beth worked in-house at Auckland Council in the Resource Management team before moving into private practice to work with a range of local government and private clients.

Enthusiastic, solutions-focused and open-minded, Beth is also a self-proclaimed “film and TV nerd and reader.” On weekends, she loves catching live music or a theatre performance or sitting at a café with her dog Sally.

Qualifications:

• LLB/BA – University of Auckland

Charlie joined Rice Speir in June 2023, bringing extensive skills in regulatory compliance, enforcement, and prosecution, particularly in matters involving the Building Act 2004.  She has worked with a diverse range of private and government clients, offering expert advice on regulatory matters and enforcement actions.  She also has experience and represents a range of clients in disciplinary proceedings.

Specialist areas:

• Regulatory compliance and enforcement
• Building Act 2004 matters
• Regulatory prosecution and advisory
• Disciplinary proceedings

Before joining Rice Speir, Charlie served as president of the Victoria University of Wellington Law Students’ Society in 2017.  She began her legal career in Wellington, was admitted in 2018, and relocated to Tāmaki Makaurau in late 2019.  Known for her disciplined, approachable, and people-focused approach, Charlie is passionate about her clients’ success and takes a collaborative approach to ensure the best outcomes. Drawing from her Crown prosecution and litigation background, she enjoys mentoring junior lawyers, particularly in the areas of advocacy and court appearances.

When she’s not working, Charlie finds enjoyment from being in, on, or around the water.

Qualifications

• LLB/BA – Victoria University of Wellington

Prior to joining Rice Speir, Rosie was an in-house solicitor at Auckland Council. Practical and client-focused, she has excellent insight into the complex legal frameworks local governments operate under.

Specialist areas:

• Regulatory compliance and enforcement
• Resource Management
• Governance advisory
• Climate change advisory and litigation

During her time at Auckland Council, Rosie worked on various regulatory and local government issues, including providing advice on resource management and Building Act matters, bylaw enforcement and dog control prosecutions.

Rosie is community-minded with a kind and confident approach. Through her work in resource management and compliance, she is committed to assisting local governments to achieve great outcomes for their communities.

Qualifications:

• LLB/BA, Victoria University of Wellington

With a keen focus on litigation, Dylan embarked on his legal journey in 2020. His early courtroom experiences have equipped him with a robust understanding of navigating complex legal landscapes, including untested legislation.

Specialist areas:

• Civil litigation
• Regulatory compliance and enforcement

Known for his disciplined and organised approach, Dylan brings insight and a goal-oriented perspective to every task. His structured methodology and commitment to outcomes align seamlessly with the firm’s values of excellence and precision.

Dylan’s professional interests are deeply intertwined with advocacy, allowing him to easily excel in both written and verbal communication. He is fascinated by the regulatory frameworks around where private and public sectors intersect, a skill set particularly beneficial in his work with Councils.

To further bolster his expertise, Dylan recently pursued postgraduate study in public law at the University of Auckland.

Outside of the office, Dylan enjoys the outdoors and cherishes quality time with friends and family, balancing his passion for law with a well-rounded lifestyle.

Qualifications:

• LLB, Auckland University of Technology

Mac joined the Rice Speir team in 2024 after honing his skills at a specialist civil and commercial litigation firm. Self-motivated and hardworking, he has already made significant contributions to our clients and the firm through his methodical and pragmatic approach.

Specialist areas:

• Civil litigation
• Regulatory compliance and enforcement

Mac has worked on numerous claims, ranging from large-scale building defect claims and construction disputes to Body Corporate disputes and professional negligence and his experience with the Building Act, Unit Titles Act, Fencing Act and EQC Act have equipped him with a robust understanding of council needs. His collaborative nature and dedication to unravelling clients’ complex issues make him a valuable team player at Rice Speir.

Outside of work, he finds enjoyment in the outdoors and staying active, whether it’s playing rugby, tennis, or scaling the ski slopes.

Qualifications:

• LLB/BA, University of Otago

A self-proclaimed proactive, curious and considerate person, Maria uses her sharp eye for detail and passion for law to help achieve the best outcomes for her clients. Maria joined us in April 2023 after being admitted to the bar in November 2022.

Specialist areas:

• Civil litigation
• Regulatory compliance and enforcement

Throughout her study, Maria volunteered at the South Auckland Community Law Centre, doing legal research for senior solicitors. Most of her legal experience comes from recent work with Inland Revenue, where she got a wealth of experience in insolvency work and company liquidations in the court process.

Maria is also passionate about the advancement of tertiary education for Pacific peoples and addressing cultural capabilities in corporate Aotearoa, demonstrated in her involvement as a leader in Pacific associations and projects throughout her school and university life.

Outside the office, Maria enjoys fostering her self-taught photography skills, cross-fit and spending time with family.

Qualifications:

• BA/LLB Double Major – Sociology and Criminology – Auckland University

A recent graduate at the University of Auckland, Vanessa has already gained a wide variety of legal experience including a legal internship at the Treasury.  She has quickly become an indispensable support to our civil litigation team, assisting with civil claims, defective construction cases, weathertightness claims, professional disciplinary proceedings, regulatory prosecutions and debt recovery.

Alongside her role as a solicitor, Vanessa is a Graduate Teaching Assistant teaching public law at the University of Auckland.

Specialist areas:

• Civil litigation
• Regulatory compliance and enforcement

Vanessa enjoys learning about the challenges and practicalities of local government law and is excited to continue expanding her understanding of the profession with the Rice Speir team.

In her spare time, Vanessa travels within New Zealand and overseas. Vanessa likes to go to the gym, take part in boxing classes and social sports. She also loves to cook and binge old classical films.

Qualifications:

• LLB/BA, University of Auckland

Admitted in 2023, Fiona hit the ground running at Rice Speir thanks to the valuable experience gained as a law clerk and graduate at a boutique litigation firm.  Approachable and friendly, Fiona is known for her diligent and details-orientated approach, making her a valuable addition to our team.

Specialist areas:

• Civil litigation
• Regulatory compliance and enforcement

Fiona has a broad range of experience across construction litigation, debt collection proceedings, building defect claims and conveyancing processes. Her work co-writing articles for Building Today magazine highlights her dedication and drive to contribute to the legal community.

Passionate about collaborating with clients to achieve successful outcomes, Fiona brings dedication and a strong work ethic to every matter. Outside of work, she finds enjoyment in taking gym classes, exploring Auckland’s vibrant culinary scene, and indulging in the latest films.

Qualifications:

• LLB/BA, University of Auckland

Vivacious, driven and inquisitive, Tyler hit the ground running when she joined the Rice Speir team in 2023. She’s an innovative problem-solver who leaves no stone unturned and is squarely focused on helping our clients get the best results.

Specialist areas:

• Civil litigation
• Regulatory compliance and enforcement

Tyler supported herself through law school by working in several of Auckland’s busiest restaurants, which is where she learned the invaluable skill of staying calm and methodical while under pressure.

She has quickly become an asset to her team, providing assistance with complex building and regulatory matters for both councils and regulatory boards.

Beyond work, Tyler is passionate about travel, firmly convinced that it instils tenacity and compels individuals to step out of their comfort zones.

Qualifications:

• LLB – Auckland University of Technology

In 2022 Claire became our all-round operational leader at Rice Speir, overseeing the daily management of the practice and providing strategic guidance in finance, compliance, personnel, marketing and IT.

Specialist areas:

• Finance
• Business management
• Leadership

As a chartered accountant with a background in IT, Claire brings creative solutions and innovative business practices to the firm. She is dedicated to driving efficiencies and creating a work culture that enables our firm to thrive.

Claire is a born leader, critical thinker and incredibly hard worker. She takes each challenge in her stride, always finding a way to keep the firm moving in the right direction.

Qualifications:

• BAcc, Massey University
• Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accountancy

Anna joined Rice Speir in 2024 and swiftly became pivotal to the smooth functioning of the firm. With over a decade of experience in the legal industry, Anna’s seamless transition to Practice Manager reflects her deep understanding of legal operations, leadership capabilities and dedication to fostering a positive workplace culture.

Anna’s primary focus revolves around our people and culture. Our staff rely on Anna for support and development, and her dedication in this area allows for a thriving culture at Rice Speir. Anna’s eye for detail and exceptional organisational skills allow her to adeptly manage the firms operations, IT and finance departments.

Anna’s unwavering commitment to excellence and her innate leadership qualities make her an invaluable asset to Rice Speir.

Helena has been an integral part of Rice Speir’s administration team since the beginning of 2022.

After five years at one of Auckland’s largest litigation firms, Helena steps into an executive assistant role, providing energetic and highly organised support to her team and the wider firm.

Having worked her way up from a junior office role to a sole-legal administrator at her previous firm, Helena is a proactive people-person with advanced secretarial skills that have become essential to maintaining our firm’s efficiency.

Alexis came to Rice Speir in 2022 after working at a mid-tier law firm in Auckland. As an executive assistant, she provides top-level, comprehensive support to her team and the wider firm. She is relied on for her administrative leadership and her ability to keep the firm’s daily operations running smoothly.
With a pioneering spirit, Alexis is all about streamlining business processes and improving productivity. She consistently finds ways for the firm to perform more efficiently and contributes to developing internal policy and procedures as we continue to grow.

Amelia’s role as an executive assistant is pivotal to the success of her team and the wider firm.

With previous roles in both large and small New Zealand and Australian firms she has extensive experience supporting authors in insurance law, commercial law, conveyancing, trusts/estates and litigation.

For many years, Amelia toured the world as a professional softball player. While she only plays locally these days, her team-player mentality means she can always be relied on to lend a helping hand and spot opportunities to improve process efficiency.

After five years navigating the complexities of a small Auckland civil litigation firm, Lis was ready to take the next step in her career and successfully completed her studies as a Legal Executive.

Lis comes to us with a wealth of experience and resilience and her collaborative nature and keen eye for detail make her an invaluable member of our firm.

With advance secretarial skills and a proactive approach, she adeptly handles legal challenges with professionalism and dependability, always ensuring the smooth operation of her team.

When she’s not busy decoding legal jargon, you’ll find Lis travelling, nose-deep in a book or passionately cheering on her favorite sports teams.

Qualifications:

• Legal Executive Diploma