The commercial law firm also announced a new chair late last year
Gibson Sheat has absorbed Wellington firm Nowland Gordon & Associates.
The integration will “enable the Nowland Gordon and Associates team to continue to offer and provide a premium service to their clients particularly with succession in mind,” Gibson Sheat said in a statement on its website.
The merger was made official on 1 November, with Gibson Sheat confirming that there would be no changes made to costs and current arrangements.
In the process, Nowland Gordon founders Terry Nowland, Hamish Gordon and Jackie Liddell have joined Gibson Sheat’s roster of consultants. The team relocated to Gibson Sheat’s Wellington office on 1 Grey Street with legal secretary Alexa Harborne.
New chair
2020 was a strong year for Gibson Sheat, with the firm announcing the appointment of a new chair.
Effective 21 September, franchising team head Claire Byrne succeeded Nigel Stirling, who stepped down from the leading role after eight years.
“Claire will bring her many strengths and a different way of thinking to the leadership of the firm. This will be especially important in the coming months and years of change in the environment around us,” Gibson Sheat said.
With her experience chairing New Zealand law firm network Lawlink, the firm said that Byrne was “no stranger to the role.”
“Claire is enthusiastic about her new role and has expressed her intention to continue in the spirit promoted by outgoing chair Nigel Stirling,” Gibson Sheat said.
The firm also thanked Stirling for his leadership during his term.
“He has made a significant contribution over that period, and has led the firm through some challenging circumstances. His over-riding desire at all times has been to ensure that all decisions were made in the best interests of the firm and its clients,” the firm said.
In October, Gibson Sheat also welcomed Malcolm Galloway to the partnership. He works with the commercial team in the firm’s Lower Hutt office.
