Kensington Swan doubles special counsel ranks

The veteran lawyers specialize in different practices, including employment, property, and finance

By Sol Dolor

Kensington Swan has elevated five of its lawyers to senior positions.

The firm has promoted Rachel Burt, Michelle Hill, and Nick Summerfield to special counsel. It has also appointed Amy Jardine and Reece Leggett as senior associates. The firm now has six special counsel and 15 senior associates.

Wellington-based Burt is a specialist in employment law and health and safety issues. A qualified mediator, she advises and acts for clients from a wide range of industries. She joined the firm from Cullen and has also worked as a solicitor in London.

Hill is based in the firm’s Auckland office and is part of the property team. An expert in commercial property deals, she has particular focus on commercial leasing, development projects, and body corporate matters. She is promoted from senior associate and previously worked at Shieff Angland, Burton & Co, DLA Piper, and Hesketh Henry.

Summerfield, who is also based in Auckland, is a member of the firm’s banking and financial markets team. He has extensive experience in all aspects of financial products and services and specialises in investment funds, including KiwiSaver. He started his career at Kensington Swan, but has had experience as a lawyer in London and Sydney working at Maples and Calder and King & Wood Mallesons, respectively.

Jardine, who is promoted from associate, specialises in commercial law, with particular expertise in M&A, consumer law, and contract law. The Auckland-based lawyer was also senior associate at HWL Ebsworth and at Herbert Smith Freehills in Melbourne.

Leggett, who is based in Auckland, is a member of the firm’s litigation team with extensive experience in dispute resolution. Leggett, who is also promoted from associate, has international experience as an associate of Clyde & Co and of Hadef & Partners, both in Dubai.