MinterEllisonRuddWatts advances six lawyers to senior positions

Six MinterEllisonRuddWatts lawyers have been promoted to senior positions, boosting the firm’s corporate, construction, dispute resolution, and real estate and property practices.

“We are thrilled to see these talented staff progressing their careers with us, and I congratulate them all on their promotions,” said Andrew Poole, chief executive. “We are proud to be a firm that rewards exceptional people who are not only great lawyers but great leaders, strategic thinkers and communicators. We recognise their level of skill, experience and talent.”

The firm has also promoted seven of its lawyers to senior solicitor. The promotions come after the firm named a new chairperson in January.

The newly promoted lawyers are:

SPECIAL COUNSEL

Sonya Forbes (Auckland)

Forbes joined the firm’s corporate team as a senior associate in 2017, when she moved from Russell McVeagh. A highly experienced practitioner, she has worked in private practice and in-house roles in London and New Zealand. She is a valued team member with excellent technical ability, pragmatic and solution-oriented approach to handling matters, the firm said.

Tanya Wood (Auckland)

Another lateral recruit, Wood joined MinterEllisonRuddWatts’ construction team in 2016 from Fee Langstone, where she was heavily involved in complex Christchurch earthquake matters. She has also worked as one of the senior external advisors to Vero Insurance, assisting in the resolution of complex losses arising from the Christchurch earthquakes. She specialises in construction litigation, with a particular focus on property-based insurance claims and dispute resolution.

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

Olivia de Pont (Auckland)

A member of the dispute resolution team, de Pont joined the firm in 2017 from Bell Gully. MinterEllisonRuddWatts said that de Pont is a talented lawyer with an excellent instinct for strategy that is respected by clients.

Alastair Gatt (Auckland)

Gatt, who is a part of the firm’s real estate and property team, is also another lateral hire. He joined the firm in late 2015, bringing with him international experience after having practised in Scotland before moving to New Zealand. He is an essential and highly valued member of the team, who is known for his manner, work ethic, and quality feedback, the firm said.

Suzy McMillan (Auckland)

McMillan moved to the firm’s corporate IP/IT team in 2016 from Visa Europe in London. She was also previously an in-house lawyer at the University of Law in London, as well as a lawyer at the New Zealand State Services Commission. She is a hardworking, versatile and talented lawyer, with a broad skill set, the firm said, pointing out her contributions in the privacy field.

Sarah Moore (Auckland)

Moore joined the firm’s dispute resolution team in late 2017 after moving from Australia. An integral part of the relationship property practice, she is a highly capable and resourceful lawyer with a proactive approach in resolving complex disputes, MinterEllisonRuddWatts said. 

SENIOR SOLICITOR

Phillip Chrisp (Corporate, Auckland)

Jonothan Embling (Dispute resolution, Auckland)

Joshua Kimpton (Employment, Auckland)

David Kraitzick (Dispute resolution, Auckland)

Kate Muldrew (Construction, Auckland)

Shukti Mokkapati Sharma (Construction, Auckland)

Rachael Watene (Corporate, Auckland)