The new barrister, solicitor will draw on 15 years of expertise to build the firm's family law practice
Sharp Tudhope has announced the addition of barrister and solicitor Alesha Evetts, who will be joining the firm’s family law team.
Evetts most recently led the family law practice at Cooney Lees Morgan, and she’s worked closely with a number of prominent figures in the legal field throughout her longstanding career. As she starts her new role at Sharp Tudhope, Evetts reflects on the unique challenges and opportunities that her time in family law has brought.
"The main highlights of my career have centred around settling complex division of property, trust and estate claims at mediation," Evetts tells NZ Lawyer.
She recalls a particularly challenging case involving two estates, which culminated in a successful mediation after she navigated a critical legal issue in court. "It was one of the most empowering experiences," Evetts says. “There were a dozen people in the mediation, and the family I was working with showed such grace and strength through an extremely difficult time.
"Other highlights include working closely with one then-QC (now High Court Judge) during a High Court trial, being asked to present a webinar, and speaking at the retirement dinner of my mentor and dear friend, Kevin Casey.”
It’s well known that family law is one of the most impactful and personal areas of law – and for Evetts, the human element of the work is what initially drew her to this practice area. As her career has progressed, Evetts has enjoyed taking on cases of increasing complexity and navigating the vast array of different dynamics and issues that can arise in family law.
“No one case is the same, and there are always new issues arising that require us to think outside of the box and come up with new strategies to resolve them,” Evetts says.
"When it comes to client approach, no one ever really wants to have to meet with a family lawyer. That’s why being an active listener is so important in establishing a trusting relationship, and the first client meeting is always key to that.”
With family law in New Zealand becoming more complex by the day, Evetts’ arrival at Sharp Tudhope has come at a vital time. While family lawyers await reforms to the Property (Relationships) Act and succession law, are having to navigate complex questions before the courts in the meantime. Evetts says she is excited to be joining Sharp Tudhope and start building up its family law team, as well as sharing the skills, knowledge and expertise that she has gained throughout 15 years in the field.
“Family lawyers play such an important role in our community, and I also take great pleasure in training up and mentoring young lawyers who have a passion for helping people in this area,” Evetts says.
“I love to share the knowledge and skills I have learned over the last 15+ years and to see our young lawyers develop their own style and approach to resolving family law issues. I am a very social person, so I look forward to getting to know a bunch of new people and having lots of fun while doing it!”
