Bell Gully has announced that Chris Gordon has been elected as its new chairman, effective 1 January 2015.
With over 27 years’ legal experience in both New Zealand and the USA, Gordon has been a corporate and commercial partner with the firm since 1999.
Prior to his appointment, he has been the Wellington office chair for the past seven years, and co-head of the firm’s energy and resources, and infrastructure groups.
He says he’s excited to be taking the reins from colleague Roger Partridge, who is retiring from the position of chairman after an impressive seven years in the role.
“The firm is in good heart and I am looking forward to leading Bell Gully, a firm that I believe is the best in New Zealand. We have a fantastic team of people right across the firm and terrific clients,” says Gordon.
“Roger has made a significant contribution during his seven years as chairman and steps down from the role with the firm in great shape. The partnership is delighted to retain his expertise as he returns to focus on a litigation practice.”
Partridge was the recipient of the Managing Partner of the Year Award at the recent NZ Law Awards, held two weeks ago.
In an exclusive interview with
NZ Lawyer, he
reflected fondly on his time as chairman, and said he was ready to hand over the helm to his successor.
“The most gratifying thing is the firm’s reputation has continued to strengthen. I don’t think we’ve ever had such an engaged group of staff and partners than we’ve got now. We’re in great shape – we’re very fortunate,” he says.
In another major appointment, litigation partner Ian Gault has been named as the next deputy chairman.
Based in Auckland, Gault’s roles have included litigation department leader and membership of the firm’s board.
He says he’s very much looking forward to supporting new chairman Gordon and the firm throughout the chapters that lie ahead.
Photo: L- Chris Gordon, R - Ian Gault
