Team

Hayden Dempsey

Dispute Resolution

Hayden specialises in litigation and dispute resolution with experience at all stages of the litigation process. Hayden’s experience includes general civil and commercial litigation, construction, property, insolvency, insurance and professional negligence matters. Hayden also provides advice on general immigration matters and assists with preparing visa applications across all categories.

Experience

Hayden has appeared in the High Court and District Court and has advisory experience in the Court of Appeal, Disputes Tribunal and other specialist tribunals. He has worked with various types of alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and construction adjudication.

Hayden’s focus is on providing practical and cost-efficient advice to achieve the best possible outcomes in a timely fashion. Hayden is highly responsive and personable to keep his clients well informed at every step of the process.

Outside the office, Hayden is a member of the Wellington Young Lawyers Committee.

Merlaina Donald

Business & Commercial

Merlaina is an expert in commercial and property law. She has experience supporting government organisations in Wellington and overseas, as well as an extensive background working with local law firms in the greater Wellington area, where she has built relationships with practitioners and clients throughout the region.

Experience

In previous roles Merlaina has assisted clients in all areas of general practice, and in particular with commercial and property transactions, wealth protection and succession planning.

Since joining JB Morrison, Merlaina has enjoyed advising small to medium-sized corporates, partnerships and charitable trusts. Merlaina’s approach is strategic, pragmatic and solutions-based, so that her clients can focus on their business.

Frederick Dunphy

Property

Frederick specialises in property, business and trust law. Frederick is responsible for a range of work including residential and commercial transactions, asset protection, residential developments and financing of transactions.

Frederick is highly responsive and personable and is happy to discuss your needs over the phone or in-person when it suits you.

Experience

Frederick’s recent experience includes refinancing, sale and purchase of residential and commercial properties, undertaking legal, due diligence, asset protection, and assisting with residential subdivisions and developments. Frederick also has experience with Wills, trusts and powers of attorney.

Zaneta Easter

Property

Zaneta is a property law specialist. She acts for a variety of clients ranging from large businesses and corporations to individuals and families. Zaneta is responsive and proactive, she will provide you with practical solutions in plain language and ensure your timeframes are met.

Experience

Zaneta’s experience includes acquisitions and disposals of residential and commercial property; legal due diligence; large-scale property developments and subdivisions; unit title advice; advising and negotiating residential and commercial building contracts, leasing (office, retail and industrial), grant of easements and general contract advice.

Lisa Kiteley

Property

Lisa is a property lawyer with experience in both New Zealand and England. Lisa works with various clients, from individuals purchasing their first home to companies working on significant-scale projects. She provides clients with practical solutions in an efficient and friendly manner.

Experience

Lisa’s experience includes residential and commercial property transactions, subdivisions, financing, developments and all stages of legal due diligence. Lisa also advises on turnkey agreements, matters relating to Bodies Corporate and residential build contracts.

Laura McEwen

Property

Laura works with a range of clients from individuals purchasing their first home through to companies that are completing significant scale developments.  In addition to this, Laura also assists clients with asset protection and estate administration practices such as the establishment of trusts and preparation of Wills and enduring powers of attorney.  She is responsive and will work with you in a timely manner to ensure that your expectations are met and the best possible outcome is achieved.

Experience

Laura’s experience includes completing residential and commercial property transactions; residential and unit title subdivisions and developments; legal due diligence; the grant of easements; advising on residential build contracts; trust establishment; preparation of Wills and enduring powers of attorney.

Lindsey Smith

Property

Lindsey has extensive experience in a wide range of property, asset protection and estate planning matters. She works with a variety of clients, including individuals and families, property developers, large businesses and multi-party Treaty of Waitangi property settlements between Iwi and the Crown. 

Lindsey enjoys building strong relationships with clients and consistently achieves positive outcomes in a cost-effective and timely manner. She will explain the law and legal processes in plain language and tailor advice to your particular circumstances. 

Experience

Lindsey’s experience includes:

Acquisitions and disposals of residential and commercial property, legal due diligence. As well as residential and unit title subdivisions and developments. Correcting and converting cross-lease titles, residential building contracts Granting of easements, and  all aspects of estate planning and asset protection, including shared property arrangements, wills, enduring powers of attorney and trusts.  

Erica Tromp

Property

Erica is a property and commercial law expert.

Erica has extensive experience in all things property including leasing, new builds and refurbishments, sales and purchases, subdivisions, and disputes.

Erica is also acts for clients on business and share sale and purchases, capital raising, corporate governance, and commercial contracts.

Erica balances commercial pragmatism and protecting client’s interests, with a focus on getting the job / deal done.  Her property and commercial expertise means she provides clients with all round advice.  Erica is an effective operator and is not just a lawyer but a trusted advisor.

Experience

Erica has significant experience negotiating, drafting contracts and completing major projects – including for leases, property sales and purchases, developments, and business / share sales and purchases.

Erica acts for a broad range of clients from private clients to large corporates, on matters large and small.

Sarah Dysart

Business & Commercial Property

Sarah specialises in property and commercial matters, working closely with a variety of clients from larger developers to private individuals. Sarah is personable and responsive when communicating with clients, providing pragmatic advice.

Experience

Sarah’s experience includes small and large scale residential, commercial and unit title subdivisions and developments, along with the financing of transactions. She is also experienced in commercial leasing, refinancing, trusts and a broad range of conveyancing and subdivision matters.

Genevieve Greally

Family

Genevieve specialises in family law, with experience in separation, parenting, family violence, Oranga Tamariki and relationship property matters.

Genevieve initially worked as a property and construction lawyer in Wellington, Dublin and London but has found that family law is what she enjoys most. 

Genevieve understands that separation is often a difficult time for clients.  She offers pragmatic advice while advocating for and supporting clients.  While preferring to assist families to resolve matters out of Court, when Court is necessary Genevieve has the experience to guide you through that process.  

Emily Hu

Property

Emily specialises in a variety of property and commercial matters and works closely with a wide range of clients, including individuals and families, property developers and larger businesses.

Claudia Leathart

Family

Claudia specialises in family law, with her areas of practice including parenting disputes, family violence, separations, relationship property and estate disputes.

Claudia gained experience as a property lawyer in Auckland and London before finding her passion for family law. Claudia understands that dealing with legal matters in this sphere is personal and often a difficult time for clients, therefore her focus is on providing concise and pragmatic advice, and keeping her clients fully informed throughout every step of the process.

While Claudia will always aim to assist her clients in reaching a resolution without the need for litigation, Claudia does have the skills and experience to represent her clients in Court if necessary.

Olivia Lynch

Family

Olivia specialises in family law.  Her experience includes advising and representing clients in respect of separation, relationship property, asset protection, parenting, family violence, spousal maintenance, and estate dispute matters.

Experience

Olivia graduated from Victoria University of Wellington, and initially started practicing in property law before discovering an affinity for family law.  She is a personable and attentive lawyer, who is committed to keeping her clients well informed throughout what can often be a challenging time. She is solutions-focused, offering her clients calm and pragmatic advice to achieve the best possible result for them without the need for Court intervention.  However if litigation is necessary, Olivia also has experience representing her clients through the Family Court process.

Deenie Roche

Family

Deenie practices in all areas of family law, including family violence, parenting and guardianship disputes, separation and relationship property matters. She can also advise on mental health (compulsory treatment) matters. Deenie regularly appears in the Family Court, and has also appeared in the High Court, District Court and the Young Adults Court pilot. Deenie is also a member of the panel of senior lawyers who are appointed to assist the Family Court directly when required.

In addition to her court advocacy, Deenie provides her clients with thorough, practical advice and frequently assists her clients to negotiate a satisfactory resolution out of court where possible.

Deenie has been a member of the Wellington Women’s Refuge Governance Group since 2019 and also volunteers at the Wellington Community Law Centre.

Michelle Buckley

Property

Michelle is a highly-experienced registered legal executive specialising in residential property and all aspects of estate planning and asset protection. This includes complex trust and estate administration, the preparation of wills and enduring powers of attorney.

She offers her clients confidence in every situation and prides herself on being able to support her clients with sound legal advice and efficient, friendly service.

Michelle has over 15 years of experience working in both large trustee companies and private practice. Michelle is a Fellow member of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives. 

Nicola Brazendale

Estates & Trusts

Nicola is a property and commercial lawyer in JB Morrison’s Rotorua office.  She works mainly in the estates and trusts space, with a special commitment to helping her clients plan for the future.

Experience

From trust structures and wills to enduring powers of attorney and estate administration, Nicola provides guidance during difficult times, making the process straightforward and easy. When it comes to asset planning, Nicola assists clients in finding personalized solutions that work for them and their families.

Evan Whetton

Property

Evan is a commercial and property lawyer in JB Morrison’s Rotorua office. Before joining JB Morrison, Evan practised in an Auckland law firm in their Property and Commercial Property teams. He looks to provide clients with practical, cost-effective advice and solutions.

Experience

Evan’s experience includes working with a wide range of clients in relation to the sale and purchase of commercial and residential property (both existing and off the plans), commercial leasing arrangements, rural subdivisions and the sale and purchase of businesses.

Jennah Terlesk

Family

Jennah is personable and pragmatic as she guides clients through a range of challenging family law issues. She is highly responsive and keeps her clients up to date and in control throughout the process. Jennah offers practical advice to achieve the best possible outcomes for all clients.

Thacia van Arendonk

Family

Thacia is a family lawyer with experience in parenting, guardianship, and family violence matters.  She is attentive and understanding to your needs, ensuring that you are well-informed as you progress through your legal matter.   

Experience:

Thacia obtained law and business degrees at the University of Auckland before living abroad in New York City.  She gained experience in commercial law before finding her passion as a family lawyer.  She appreciates that legal matters in the family sphere can be overwhelming and will ensure that you have clear and concise advice from start to finish.

Sarah Wild

Property & Estates

Sarah is a property lawyer in our Rotorua office. Her expertise is in conveyancing – sale and purchase of residential property, estates, and preparing wills and enduring powers of attorney.

Sarah has a friendly, down-to-earth nature and works hard to provide clients with the best outcome. Her practical approach and desire to keep clients well informed during each transaction is essential for understanding client needs and ensuring an easy journey.

Alexis Ma'afu

Family

Alexis joined JB Morrison Lawyers in October 2023 as a law clerk, having completed her degree at the University of Waikato. She is working in the Rotorua family law team, primarily assisting with parenting (child custody), guardianship, family violence and relationship property matters. She will be admitted as a lawyer in July 2024.

Kate Lloyd

Property

Kate works with a wide range of clients in our Rotorua office. Kate routinely provides high-quality and cost-efficient assistance with estate administration and residential property transactions. 

Experience

Kate’s experience includes working with her clients to obtain probate and letters of administration for estates, all aspects of residential conveyancing, including preparing sale and purchase agreements, reviewing records of title, and providing advice to clients. She also assists with refinancing for both residential and commercial clients.

Lynette Matthews

Property

Lynette is a legal executive in our Rotorua-based Property and Commercial team. Lynette works closely with Evan and Helen to provide efficient conveyancing services. 

Experience

Lynette has vast property knowledge with many years of legal experience in all aspects of residential conveyancing. Lynette is responsible for a variety of work, including refinancing and preparing sale and purchase agreements for residential and commercial property. 

Lynette also has experience with wills, estate matters and enduring powers of attorney.

Lynette is very client focused – she delivers a personal touch to every client relationship and works hard to obtain the best possible results for her clients.