Michelle Needham focuses on the legal needs of first home buyers
For Lane Neave partner Michelle Needham, guiding clients in the purchase of their first property is the best thing about her work.
“The best part is helping clients to successfully purchase their property and as a trusted advisor helping them navigate the buying process which can be quite daunting, especially for first home buyers, and involve a lot of emotion particularly if they have been unsuccessful at previous attempts to get an offer accepted,” she explains to NZ Lawyer.
Needham knew she wanted to specialise in property law right away when she began pursuing legal studies.
“I have always been interested in land law and in particular, the different types of properties that people want to buy, whether it’s their first home or a Central Otago vineyard or sheep station,” she says.
Throughout her career, Needham has tackled matters involving property development and subdivision, conveyancing and succession planning. As a Queenstown-based lawyer, she enjoys the “huge variety of property work ranging from residential and rural property through to large-scale developments.”
“I was always interested in practicing law in Queenstown as it offers a great balance between lifestyle and work with the vast range of outdoor activities right on the doorstep, including my favourite hobbies of biking, flying and skiing,” she says.
“The most significant challenge in the last year has been dealing with the ongoing uncertainty around the impacts of COVID-19, particularly in respect of Queenstown businesses and helping to guide clients through these difficult times.”
Needham was the sole solicitor to ascend to the partnership in Lane Neave’s most recent promotions head, and is also passionate for aviation.
Michelle Needham is among the 2022 Rising Stars announced in February.
