Seasoned lawyer boosts Lane Neave’s commercial property group

Lane Neave has boosted its Wellington commercial property practice with the appointment of Sharon Skinner as partner.

Skinner, who moves to Lane Neave from her own firm in the nation’s capital, joins three partners and 13 other legal specialists in the practice.

She brings with her more than 30 years of experience in the legal industry. Prior to striking out on her own, she was a partner at the commercial real estate team of DLA Piper.

Skinner has extensive experience in all areas of commercial property law. She has a focus on large-scale developments, leasing, acquisition and disposal, public works, and projects related to the Treaty of Waitangi.

Andrew Shaw, Lane Neave managing partner, said Skinner comes to the partnership at a time of expansion for the commercial property practice.

“With a number of large, high-profile developments to her credit, Sharon is considered by her peers as one of Wellington's leading experts in commercial property law,” Shaw said. “Appointments such as this are important as the firm continues to grow nationally, and Sharon will help us meet the increasing demand for legal services in the Wellington region. We are fortunate to have attracted an outstanding commercial property lawyer with a proven track record in working with large scale projects and with strong private sector networks.”

He said that the appointment also enhances the firm’s connection with the large number of government agencies served by the All-of-Government External Legal Services Panel, which Lane Neave is a part of.

Lane Neave promoted six lawyers, including two senior associates, in July. It promoted Anna Ryan to the partnership later in the month.

Sharon Skinner